Industries worldwide are harnessing the transformative potential of data collection and interpretation, which is essential for scientific research, especially in the field of cell analysis. Flow cytometry is an essential technology enabling deeper insight and innovation in the next frontier of understanding health and disease.
As an invaluable tool for research and clinical studies, flow cytometry has important biomedical and therapeutic applications, including determining the role of the immune system in fighting cancer, diagnosing leukemia and lymphoma, guiding treatment for autoimmune diseases, and detecting measurable residual disease in patients. This technology is rapidly expanding research, as well as helping physicians make early diagnoses and monitor the treatment of patients.
While the benefits of flow cytometry are known throughout the scientific community, historically high costs and complex workflows have limited the adoption of this versatile tool in many laboratories. Founded in December 2014, Cytek Biosciences shifted this narrative by making cell analysis more accessible, intuitive, and cost-effective for laboratories of all sizes. By simplifying workflows and lowering barriers to entry, Cytek expanded access to advanced flow cytometry and provided a pathway for more scientists to explore new frontiers in cell biology.
The launch of the Cytek Aurora™ full spectrum flow cytometer in 2017 marked a significant advancement in the field. The Cytek Aurora system combined the advantages of spectral technology with an intuitive user interface for an experience familiar to researchers. By incorporating avalanche photodiodes (APDs) instead of traditional photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), Cytek delivered an instrument with higher sensitivity and reduced noise at a lower cost. Featuring modular fluidics, advanced optical design, and Cytek’s patented Full Spectrum Profiling™ (FSP®) technology, the Cytek Aurora system simplified panel design, improved spectral data unmixing, and dramatically increased the number of detectable parameters for high-resolution data.
Over time, additional lasers and detectors were incorporated into the Cytek Aurora system, expanding spectral coverage and enabling the simultaneous analysis beyond 40 parameters, an industry first. These enhancements increased flexibility in fluorophore selection and improved data accuracy and resolution. Improvements to instrument software included automated features for daily quality control, instrument setup, and an Autofluorescence Explorer wizard that allowed for the extraction of multiple autofluorescence signatures within a single experiment. Importantly, the FSP platform evolved beyond cell analyzers to the development of a cell sorter capable of sorting small extracellular vesicles as well as multiple populations of cells.
Cytek’s commitment extended beyond instrumentation, prioritizing collaboration with the scientific community by fostering partnerships rather than transactional relationships. This approach addressed a gap in the industry and positioned Cytek as a trusted resource for researchers.
Cytek’s FSP technology has evolved from the introduction of an innovative single instrument into a comprehensive platform spanning multiple instruments and product lines. Today, Cytek’s portfolio includes the core FSP instruments, the Cytek Aurora, Cytek Aurora™ Evo and Cytek Northern Lights™ flow cytometers, and the Cytek Aurora™ CS cell sorter, as well as flow cytometry and imaging systems under the Amnis®, Muse®, and Guava® brands, a full line of reagents, an automated antibody cocktail preparation system, and the Cytek Cloud digital ecosystem for panel design. With these comprehensive tools, Cytek continues to advance high-resolution, high-sensitivity cell analysis and drive forward innovation in immunology, oncology, and other complex biological research fields.
Strategic milestones such as product launches and acquisitions have accelerated Cytek’s growth and expanded its global presence. The adoption of FSP technology by leading pharmaceutical and clinical research organizations has demonstrated industry confidence, and the FSP platforms’ citation in more than 3,200 peer-reviewed publications underscores its impact on research worldwide. Acquisition of the Flow Cytometry & Imaging business unit from Luminex Corporation added thousands of instruments to Cytek’s installed base and strengthened its commercial, operational, and research & development capabilities.
Despite global economic challenges, Cytek has strengthened its resilience by diversifying its supply chain and improving cost efficiency. The company’s global manufacturing base and logistics network have helped to mitigate the impact of tariffs and trade disruptions. By designing instruments that deliver high performance at lower costs, Cytek has made flow cytometry more accessible in regions previously dominated by higher-priced competitors.
Partnerships have also been instrumental in this global expansion. Collaborations with reagent suppliers and regional manufacturers have enabled Cytek to offer integrated solutions worldwide. These alliances ensure that researchers can access instruments, reagents, software, and services in a cohesive manner.
Cytek’s commitment to educational outreach includes webinars, workshops, and training programs designed to empower users with technical proficiency. These initiatives not only enhance user confidence but also promote a deeper understanding of the power and capability of spectral flow cytometry. By investing in education, Cytek ensures that its technologies are used to their fullest potential across diverse research environments.
Under Dr. Wenbin Jiang’s leadership as CEO, Cytek has built a culture centered on innovation, collaboration, and deep engagement with the flow cytometry community. Recognizing that Cytek is fundamentally a technology company, he has prioritized continuous innovation and empowered teams to design and refine instruments that address real-world research challenges.
Dr. Jiang and his leadership team have cultivated an organization of passionate flow cytometry professionals who maintain close relationships with customers and key opinion leaders, ensuring constant feedback and improvement. This collaborative approach enables Cytek to stay aligned with the evolving needs of the scientific community and maintain its reputation for excellence, quality, and responsiveness.
Cytek’s mission remains focused on developing tools needed to drive the next era of biomedical innovation and delivering solutions that advance science and improve outcomes, opening the door for a wider range of discoveries.
Cytek Biosciences continues to innovate and collaborate, expanding its capabilities and global reach, not only advancing the accessibility of flow cytometry but also revolutionizing the entire field.