1. Manual
Alto Miniaturized Plate Reader ALT-1600 600nm Edition 1.0.1 – August 2023 Alto Miniaturized Plate Reader
2. Introduction
2.1. About the Manual
The current edition of the manual applies to the following models and versions: Product SKU Alto, 450nm ALT-1450 Alto, 600nm ALT-1600 Alto Adapter ALT-APT
2.2. About the Alto
The Alto plate reader provides high-quality endpoint and continuous real-time optical density measurements with 6, 12, 24, and 96-well plates and the Cerillo Co-culture Duet plate. Continuous measurements can be set at user determined time intervals. The Alto provides a single measurement mode (absorbance) at a single wavelength (model-dependent). The Alto is functional in a broad range of environments including anaerobic chambers, shakers, heated and humidified incubators, and remote field settings.
3. Safety Precautions
Caution! Make sure you have fully read and understood the present manual before using the equipment.
3.1. General Safety
Protect the unit from shocks or falling.
Before using any cleaning or decontamination methods except those recommended by the manufacturer (see Sections 2.4 and 7.3), check with the manufacturer that the proposed method will not damage the equipment.
Do not make design modifications to the unit.
3.2. Electrical Safety
Connect only to power supply with voltage corresponding to that on the serial number label on the bottom of the instrument. - Use only the external power supply provided with this product or one approved by the manufacturer. Always ensure compatibility of the power source.
Ensure the external power supply is easily accessible during use. - Disconnect the unit before moving it unless the device is connected to a battery pack.
Turn off the unit by disconnecting the external power supply from the power source.
Always use caution with liquid and avoid spills as they can damage the equipment. If liquid penetrates the unit, immediately disconnect it from the external power supply, blot-dry the exterior, and let the unit air dry for 24-48 hours. Contact customer support at support@cerillo.bio in case of concerns.
Operating conditions of the unit are defined in Section 5.0 Specifications.
3.3. During Operation
Do not move the unit while it’s reading. Shaking is permitted if the unit is stabilized. On larger incubators, shaking should not exceed 350 RPM, while shaking up to 500 RPM is safe on a single-plate shaker.*
Do not operate the unit in environments with explosive chemical mixtures. Review Section 5.2 Measurement Specifications for acceptable environmental conditions; otherwise please contact the manufacturer for possible operation of the unit in specific atmospheres.
Do not operate the unit if it is faulty or installed incorrectly. *Supported RPMs cannot be guaranteed and vary per equipment used; reach out to our support team at support@cerillo.bio for specific recommendations.
3.4. Biological Safety
It is the user’s responsibility to carry out appropriate decontamination if hazardous material is spilled on or penetrates inside of the equipment.
For decontamination, the manufacturer recommends using ETO gas, or wiping down the unit with 10% bleach-based solution or Cavicide. Any streaking can be cleaned off with 70% ethanol.
4. General Information
The Alto package includes one Alto plate reader with microSD card inserted, one USB cable, and one power adapter.
4.1. Purpose
The unit is designed to take optical density (OD) readings with a detection range between 0.0 and 2.5. We recommend designing endpoint experiments in the measurement range between 0.0 and 2.0.
4.2. General Use and Features
The Alto plate reader allows for measurement collection in small spaces, on shared or modular benchtops, in restrictive environments, like anaerobic or microaerophilic chambers and incubators, and in remote field settings. The Alto can be placed almost anywhere and does not require direct connection with a computer while collecting data.
4.2.1. Features
Endpoint measurements of optical density
Available in 450 or 600 nm
Fits standard 96, 24, 12, and 6-well plates and the Cerillo Co-culture duet plate
Small footprint and stackable
No moving parts; minimal maintenance
Functional in a broad range of environments
Includes a free version of the user-friendly Cerillo Labrador software
Operable without a computer connection
Compatible with the Cerillo Canopy for wireless operation
5. Getting Started & Operation
5.1. Upon Receipt
Carefully remove packing materials and retain them for future shipment or storage of the unit. Confirm receipt of all components described and examine the unit carefully for any damage incurred during transit. A microSD card will already be installed in the Alto.
5.2. Downloading Software and Connecting the Device
Download Cerillo’s Labrador software at: https://info.cerillo.bio/labrador-download. Use the provided USB cable to connect your Alto plate reader or Canopy device to your computer. Open Labrador and click “load devices” to detect your device. If connecting your Alto wirelessly through a Canopy, be sure to connect the Alto to a power source (more details in Section
5.3. Powering the Device). To set up your
device, click on your device in Labrador and open the settings window denoted by the gear icon. Refer to Section 4.8 Adjusting device settings to learn more about these settings. Note: Please only use the provided cord; not all USB cables are capable of seamless data transfer between the Alto and a computer.
5.4. Location
Place your Alto where you’d like to collect measurements. You can collect measurements in almost any environment of interest— in an incubator, anaerobic chamber, benchtop, hood, etc. Equilibrate your Alto to any new environmental conditions for at least 60 minutes prior to running a new experiment. For specific instructions on using your Alto in different environments, refer to Section 4.10 Using Alto within environmental chambers. For limitations and environmental tolerances, refer to Section 5.2 Measurement Specifications.
5.5. Powering the Device
Before powering your device or collecting data, first verify that the microSD card is already inserted in your Alto plate reader. Your Alto plate reader can be powered using the provided USB cable and connecting with your computer, a Cerillo-recommended battery pack, or the provided adapter and a standard wall outlet. To control the Alto through the Labrador software, refer to Section 4.2 Downloading the Software and Connecting the Device. The software enables direct control, data access, and configuration of the Alto. Always insert the microSD card with the Alto unplugged; otherwise, the card can become corrupted and future data might not be recorded. Ensure the microSD card is inserted for the entire duration that the Alto is booting and powered.
5.6. Controls
The “start” (left) button has two functions. Start an endpoint read by pressing and quickly releasing the “start” button. To start a kinetic read, press and hold the “start” button until the status light (center) flashes white. At this point, the Alto will perform an automatic calibration to the plate and sample (cyan light) and then automatically begin readings at the designated time intervals (default five minutes; green light). The “stop/calibrate” button also has two functions. If pressed and quickly released, the Alto will complete the experiment and halt measurements (red light). For samples at high OD and/or high shaking RPM, the Alto may take up to 2 seconds to stop after pressing. If pressed and held when an experiment is not running, the Alto will perform a device calibration (cyan light).
5.7. Starting an experiment
Readings occur every five minutes by default. To customize read times prior to running an experiment, select your device in Labrador and then select Settings (gear icon in the top-right corner of screen). Labrador can also be used to start and stop an experiment while the device is connected. Further instructions can be found at labradormanual.cerillo.bio. Samples with OD > 2.5 are not recommended for the Alto, as they may extend the amount of time it takes for the Alto to take a measurement. In this case, the interval between reads may be larger than you originally set (though the reads will be recorded with accurate timestamps throughout data collection). Additionally, readings above 2.5 OD are outside the linear range of the instrument and are therefore not recommended for quantitative analysis. The Alto should remain at a constant temperature throughout the experiment, especially during calibration. Equilibrate your Alto to new environmental conditions for at least 60 minutes prior to running a new experiment. Overnight equilibration, for example by setting the Alto in an incubator after inoculating your starter culture, can be helpful. Once your plate is prepped, let the plate also equilibrate in the environment where you plan to run your experiment, if possible. Samples and plates should also be equilibrated to the experimental conditions, if possible, prior to measurement for the most accurate results. Following environmental equilibration of the device and plate, measurements can begin. Your device and plate should complete both environmental equilibration and device calibration before your first measurement. If you are about to start a kinetic experiment with kinetic auto-calibration enabled, you do not need to manually calibrate the device prior to starting measurement. While measurements can be taken with a plate lid, without a plate lid, or with a breathable membrane, data is most reliable when collected with a breathable membrane. Membranes (such as a Breathe-Easy membrane) most effectively prevent measurement errors due to condensation and evaporation during long experiments. The Alto should be at a constant temperature and should not be opened or relocated for the duration of the experiment.
5.7.1. Quick-start, manual operation:
Formatting your plate layout/data in Labrador is not required before running an experiment; the following instructions describe how to use the instrument with only its buttons. Endpoint measurements (calibrate while empty): For an endpoint measurement, the Alto must perform its device calibration while empty. After completing the environmental equilibration, ensure the device is empty, close the lid, then hold down the “stop/calibrate” button (right) until the status light flashes white, then release to perform the device calibration (cyan status light). After calibration, put your plate into the reader and press the “start” button (left). The status light will briefly illuminate green to indicate the experiment has started. The light will then turn yellow and then off when the Alto has completed collecting data. Kinetic measurements (auto-calibrate with plate): By default, kinetic experiments on the Alto begin with auto-calibration, which will zero all wells and require that the plate be in the reader. Place your experimental plate in the Alto. Press and hold the “start” button until the status light flashes white. Once the button is released, the status light will turn cyan during calibration, and then green during measurement. The Alto will automatically continue with measurements after calibration. Note that if this device’s “enable kinetic auto-calibration” setting has been unchecked in Labrador, auto-calibration will not take place, in which case manual calibration before starting is necessary; see below for details. Kinetic measurements (calibrate while empty): If you do not want all wells normalized to zero when beginning a kinetic experiment, it is first necessary to disable kinetic auto-calibration. In Labrador, navigate to your device, click the gear icon to access settings, uncheck “enable kinetic auto-calibration,” and click “save.” Your device will no longer automatically calibrate before starting kinetic experiments. To conduct a kinetic experiment, press and hold the stop button until the status light turns cyan to calibrate. Once calibration is complete, insert your experimental plate. Press and hold the “start” button to start the kinetic experiment as described above. The device will immediately begin taking measurements, as indicated by a green status light. Ending an experiment: To stop a reading in progress, press the “stop” button. The status light will turn red. If the Alto is mid-reading, you may need to press the “stop” button again and hold until the light turns red.
5.7.2. Measurements through Labrador:
To perform a rapid 96-well read within the Labrador software, click on the device of interest, and then click “quick read.” You will be prompted to calibrate or proceed with the read. If you would like to specify any non-default endpoint settings, such as plate type, layout, name, etc., select “new experiment” and select either “endpoint” or “kinetic”. At this point, you can name your experiment and select well groupings under the “plate layout” tab. Click “start” to begin your experiment. For more information on Labrador functionality, reference the Labrador user manual at labradormanual.cerillo.bio.
5.7.3. Wireless control through Labrador:
The Cerillo Canopy can be used to connect remotely with up to 5 devices. Use the USB cable provided with the Canopy to plug it directly into your computer (up to 15 meters from the Alto). Power your Alto through a power outlet or battery pack. Follow the instructions from the Canopy Quick Start Guide to set up and confirm communication between Labrador, Canopy, and the Alto. Follow the instructions for Section 4.6.1 Quick-start, manual operation or Section 4.6.2 Measurements through Labrador to start an experiment. All methods of starting experiments are available for Canopy-connected Alto devices.
5.8. Accessing data
Data collected is automatically stored on the on-board microSD card. Inserting or removing the microSD card while the device is powered can corrupt the card, rendering it incapable of recording future data. Data stored on the microSD card can be accessed by directly connecting the Alto to your computer using the provided USB cable and using Labrador, plugging the card into any commercially available microSD card adapter, or wireless transfer to Labrador through Cerillo’s Canopy. When viewing data directly on the microSD card, data files are found in the “experiments’’ folder, in a subfolder corresponding to the experiment name. The supplied microSD card is 16GB and is sufficient to hold 4 weeks of continuous data at the maximum sampling rate. Any standard microSD card capable of storing 32GB or less is compatible with the Alto, but it must be formatted as a FAT32 drive. Experiment files are saved as standard .csv files on the microSD card. Data can be viewed using the Labrador software or .csv or .xlsx files can be exported and opened in any spreadsheet or data analysis software. To export a file, navigate to “Results” and wait for experiments to load. Click on the download arrow on the right for the experiment of interest. A popup window will signal that the download is complete. The figure on the right shows what an experiment looks like in the software. See labradormanual.cerillo.bio for more information.
5.9. Adjusting device settings
To change the saved kinetic measurement interval, use the Cerillo Labrador software and follow instructions in Section 4.6 Starting an experiment. The Alto will recall this interval, even when plugged into a wall outlet or battery source, until this setting is changed or a new experiment with a different interval is started in the Labrador software. Wiping the microSD card memory will revert the interval time back to 5 minutes. For more specific instructions on how to use the software and adjust device settings, access the Labrador user manual at labradormanual.cerillo.bio.
5.10. Using the Alto with shakers
While the Alto is compatible with a variety of different shaking platforms via the Alto Adapter, we recommend the Cerillo Microplate Shaker. The Alto securely fastens to the Cerillo Shaker by tightening the shaker’s thumb screws into paired recesses in the Alto’s casing. Ensure the device is securely affixed to avoid liquid spills. If the Alto is not well secured to the shaker, it can move excessively or irregularly, which can disrupt the measurements. As long as the Alto is securely fastened to the shaker, the device is able to measure while shaking. There is no need to program the shaker to stop shaking during measurement. Shaking should not be interrupted and shaking speed should not change during an experiment. When setting up the Alto on a shaker, ensure that there is slack provided in the power cable to avoid the device becoming unplugged. Cerillo’s Alto Adapter might be necessary to secure the Alto to non-Cerillo shakers.
5.11. Using the Alto in environmental chambers
5.11.1. Anaerobic chambers, Microaerophilic chambers, and CO2 chambers
The Alto is designed to be robust to environmental conditions common in anaerobic, microaerophilic, and CO2 chambers. The Alto can be transferred through chamber airlocks (as size allows) and stored within chambers intermittently for days or weeks. While the Alto itself is stable within an anaerobic chamber, some microbes produce gasses, such as H2S, which can deteriorate the electronics over time, so occasional removal to fresh air is recommended. Refer to Section 5.2 Measurement specifications for compatible gas concentrations.
5.11.2. Incubators and refrigerators
Since the Alto does not make its own environmental conditions, it is common to place the device within an environmental control chamber in order to achieve the conditions of interest. The Alto has been tested from 0° - 50°C and is operable within that range. Note: When the device is placed in heated or cooled environments, best results will be achieved when the device is equilibrated to that environment for at least 60 minutes prior to starting a measurement as detailed in Section 4.6 Starting an Experiment. In some incubators, equilibration can take longer, in which case the device may benefit from being left in the incubator overnight prior to the experiment.
6. Specifications
6.1. General
Measurement Mode Absorbance Meausrement Type Endpoint, Kinetic Plate Type 6-, 12-, 24-, 96- well plates, Cerillo Co-culture plate Dimensions W: 15.0 cm D: 13.3 cm H: 7.2 cm Weight 800 g Power 5V, 500mA USB Supply
6.2. Measurement
Environmental Tolerance Temp: 0-50°C Humidity: 0-95%, O2 Concentration: 0-21%, CO2 Concentration: 0-25% Wavelength Light Source Resolution Single Wavelength: 600 nm, 450 nm Monochromatic LEDs 0.001 OD Detection Range 0.000 - 2.500 OD Linearity < ±1% (0.000 - 2.000 OD) Accuracy < ±1% and ±0.02 OD (0.000 - 2.000 OD)
Repeatability < ±0.25% and ±0.005 OD (0.000 - 2.000 OD) Data Storage microSD; up to 32 GB (16 GB card provided) Status LED Colors White Booting Green Reading Yellow Between readings Red Stopping or error Cyan Calibrating
6.3. Software
Operating System macOS: 11 (Big Sur), 12 (Monterey) Windows: 10, 11 Data Format .csv (on-board), .xlsx (some Labrador exports)
6.4. Compatible Accessories
6.4.1. Multiwell Plates
The Alto is compatible with all flat-bottom, standard well format plates, including tissue culture and non-tissue-culture treated plates (6, 12, 24, and 96 wells), and the Cerillo Co-culture plate.
6.4.2. Battery/Power bank
The Alto can be connected to a power bank. The Alto operates well when connected to Anker brand power adapters. The Anker 10000 mAh batteries will power the Alto for 48-72 hours depending on the temperature and measurement interval.
6.4.3. Plate sealing film
While a variety of plate sealing films are suitable for the Alto, Diversified Biotech’s “Breathe-Easy” brand membranes (catalog number BEM-1) have been extensively validated for use with the Alto. If using other membranes, ensure they are transparent.
6.4.4. Cerillo Microplate Shaker
The Alto can take readings while shaking; the instrument must be firmly secured to avoid spills and ensure there is no wobble or irregular movement, which would add variability to data. We recommend the Cerillo Microplate Shaker for Alto shaking experiments. The Alto is secured to the Cerillo Microplate Shaker by tightening the shaker’s thumb screws into paired recesses in the Alto’s casing. When setting up the Alto on the shaker, ensure that there is slack in the power cable to avoid the device becoming unplugged.
6.4.5. Alto Adapter
The Alto is compatible with a variety of different shaking platforms, in addition to Cerillo’s Microplate Shaker. Cerillo’s Alto adapter might be necessary to secure the Alto to non-Cerillo shakers. While shaking, the device must be securely affixed to avoid liquid spills, wobble, or irregular movement around the shaking platform. When setting up the Alto on a shaker, ensure that there is slack provided in the power cable to avoid the device becoming unplugged.
6.5. Data Storage
Data is automatically stored on the microSD card that comes with the device. Once you have copied data from your Alto to your computer, you can safely delete the corresponding experiment folders in the “experiments” directory on the card. Data can only be deleted by accessing data on the microSD card directly, not through Labrador. Please note: your data will not be recoverable once deleted and keeping a backup copy on the card may help with future troubleshooting.
7. Resources
Documentation about the Alto can be found at cerillo.bio - The Cerillo Labrador user manual can be accessed at labradormanual.cerillo.bio
8. Guarantee and Service
8.1. Guarantee
When used in laboratory conditions and according to these working instructions, this product is guaranteed for two years against faulty materials or workmanship.
8.2. Service and maintenance
There are no user-serviceable parts inside the unit. For all repairs (except as outlined below) contact our service department at support@cerillo.bio.
8.3. Cleaning and disinfection
The Alto can be disinfected by wiping with a lint free or microfiber cloth and a 10% bleach-based solution or Cavicide followed by 70% ethanol to remove any residue. Do not spray solutions as excess liquid can enter perforations in the device. Instead, spray a lint free or microfiber cloth with the cleaner and wipe the device. The exterior color of your device may rub off on your cloth for the first few cleanings. Note: no parts of the unit can be safely autoclaved.
9. Compliance
The Alto is RoHS compliant, CE marked, made in the USA, compliant with various national and international safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards, and has a two-year warranty. Declarations of Conformity for various jurisdictions are available upon request. The Alto complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Contains FCC ID: MCQ-S2CTH or MCQ-XBEE3 The Alto complies with CAN ICES-001(A) / NNB-001(A) Contains IC: 1846A-S2CTH or 1846A-XBEE3 All of the products covered by this manual comply with the requirements of the EU harmonized legislation verified using the following standards
EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) for Electromagnetic compatibility RoHS Directive (Directive 2011/65/EU including 2015/863) for Hazardous substances LVS EN 61326-1 LVS EN 50581
Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) EN 62311 The Alto complies with relevant provisions of the Japan Radio Law. Contains 210-105563 or 210-119309
10. More Information & Troubleshooting
10.1. Alto device not recognized by computer
Restart Software
If the device is not responsive to pressing the buttons, follow device recovery instructions: labradormanual.cerillo.bio > Troubleshooting > Device Recovery
10.2. Difficulty installing software
For installation instructions, you can access the Cerillo Labrador software instructions at labradormanual.cerillo.bio or email support@cerillo.bio.
10.3. Alto stops taking readings mid-way through an experiment
Primary causes:
Battery power ran out or the device became unplugged. 2. Duration setting was applied under device settings, and the experiment reached this planned duration and stopped. 3. Device took an endpoint reading. The “start” button must be held until light flashes to start a continuous read.
10.4. Data issues or missing files
Primary causes:
The device is powered on without the microSD card, or the microSD card was removed and reinserted while the device remained powered on. If the device is plugged in when the microSD card is placed inside, it will not recognize the microSD card and cannot record data to it. a. Solution: Ensure that the Alto is unplugged whenever the microSD card is inserted in the device. If the device is already on, it will not recognize the microSD card. If the device is powered on without an SD card, the device will have a red status light.
An incompatible microSD card is used. Only use the supplied microSD card. If a replacement card is needed, be sure to format to FAT32 prior to using and only use cards under 32 GB capacity.
Corruption of the microSD card (data is unreadable). a. Solution: try formatting the microSD card. i. Format the microSD card on Windows:
Insert the microSD card directly into your computer, or use an adapter if your computer does not have a microSD card slot
Copy any data off of the microSD card that you would like to keep
Open File Explorer
Right-click on the microSD card drive, select “Format”
A formatting window will pop up. Under the file system drop down, select FAT32
Uncheck “perform a quick format”
Select OK ii. Format the microSD card on macOS:
Insert the microSD card directly into your computer, or use an adapter if your computer does not have a microSD card slot
Save any data on the microSD card that you would like to keep
Open Disk Utility. It is available through the Applications Folder in a Utilities subfolder. You can also use Spotlight search to open it by name
In the sidebar of Disk Utility, search for your memory card and select the volume. Typically you’ll find it under the name of the manufacturer of the memory card, and it will have a volume title that matches the name of the drive when it mounts, as well as matching capacity
After selecting the correct volume, click Erase
Enter a name for the memory card
Select the format for the memory card as FAT32
Click Erase
Once formatting has completed, click “Done”
10.5. Increases in OD of blank samples
The most common cause for OD increases in blank samples is temperature increases or condensation. If these have been ruled out, complete the following steps:
Check the clear windows on the inside of the Alto for debris or droplets of sample. Debris or liquid in the light path will change the measured OD. Clean the acrylic windows with 70% ethanol, a 10% bleach-based solution, or Cavicide using a lint-free or microfiber cloth.
Prior to placing the plate in the plate reader, shake it on an orbital shaker (~1000 RPM) for a few seconds. If a small shaker is not available, tap your prepared plate on the lab bench a few times to break the surface tension of the samples. This helps normalize the shape of the samples in the wells. While not required, under certain circumstances it can lead to better results.
Minimize temperature change throughout the experiment. 4. Allow the plate reader more time to calibrate in the experimental environment while plugged in prior to starting an experiment. Overnight incubation substantially reduces the risk of large temperature increases.
10.6. Condensation issues leading to incorrect readings
Erratic increases in OD (from condensate on the film/lid) or drops in OD (due to condensate dropping into the well) are characteristic of condensation. Make the following adjustments to resolve condensation issues:
Make sure the plate and media are at the same temperature as the experimental conditions. Abrupt changes in temperature can cause condensation.
Minimize temperature change throughout the experiment. Changes in temperature can increase the likelihood of condensation.
Use a breathable membrane (such as Breathe-Easy) instead of a plate lid if condensation builds on the lid.
Increase ventilation in the environment by adding a small fan or placing the Alto on a shaker.
10.7. How to get support
To report a software bug or get technical support, email our technical team at support@cerillo.bio.
107 east water street charlottesville, va 22902 +1 434-218-3151 www.cerillo.bio sales: sales@cerillo.bio technical support: support@cerillo.bio general information: info@cerillo.bio