As 3D cell models move from exploratory studies into routine discovery workflows, experimental planning has become just as important as execution. Small decisions around model selection, matrix composition, or cell density can have an outsized impact on reproducibility, throughput, and data quality.
RASTRUM Cloud was built to support that critical planning stage. As a cloud-based software platform, researchers can design, customize, and prepare RASTRUM experiments with confidence before ever stepping into the lab. Designed with biologists in mind, RASTRUM Cloud helps teams move faster while reducing uncertainty and manual guesswork.
RASTRUM Cloud is accessed through a web browser and is included with the RASTRUM system. From selecting validated models and matrices to generating custom protocols and streamlining ordering, it serves as the digital backbone of the RASTRUM workflow.
Designed for Biologists, Not Programmers
RASTRUM Cloud was intentionally designed to be intuitive and easy to use. No coding or scripting is required. Instead, researchers interact with a visual, guided interface that mirrors how biologists think about experiments.
Because the platform is web-based, users can design and plan experiments anywhere. Whether working from home, at a desk, or in the lab, researchers are not tied to the instrument when building a PrintRun. A PrintRun is a RASTRUM Cloud-designed process that defines key printing parameters, including matrix composition and stiffness, 3D cell model architecture, and plate layout.
This flexibility makes it easier to collaborate, iterate, and prepare experiments ahead of time. PrintRun designs can be updated right up until the moment a run is started, which allows researchers to adapt quickly to real-world constraints. For example, if fewer cells are available after preparation, the design can be adjusted immediately to match the available material.
“PrintRun designs can be easily shared between researchers and with our team for review and updates at any time. That flexibility is especially valuable when teams are doing a final check before placing an order.”
— Joe Gillson, Customer Success Manager, Inventia Life Science
Key capabilities include:
- Ready-to-use model options compatible with standard 24-, 96-, and 384-well plates
- A synthetic matrix library with more than 50 options, spanning a range of stiffnesses and additives
- Built-in guidance for matrix and model selection through the model library and discovery mode
- Custom protocol generation that adapts automatically based on experimental choices
These features give users confidence that they are starting from validated, consistent building blocks rather than assembling workflows from scratch.
A Smarter Way to Plan Cell Usage
One of the most impactful updates in the latest RASTRUM Cloud release is the enhanced cell calculator. This feature was developed directly in response to customer feedback and addresses a common challenge in 3D culture workflows: understanding exactly how many cells are needed before committing precious samples to a PrintRun.
With the cell calculator, users can:
- Define a desired number of cells per well and see the total number of cells required update automatically
- Choose to define cell concentration parameters using cells per well or cells per mL
- Set an upper limit on available cells, which is especially valuable when working with limited primary or patient-derived material
- Receive real-time feedback as plate layouts and conditions are adjusted
This visibility allows researchers to maximize the use of valuable samples while reducing the risk of over- or under-preparing cell suspensions.
“We are enabling for our customer a way to design their experiments in a more informed and tailored way by providing both immediate feedback on their plate map choice for the required cell number and fluid volume, and adjustments based on actual cell availability.
It's exciting to remove the guesswork when it comes to cell numbers and have that clarity while you are planning. I know that I certainly appreciate the boost in confidence knowing you can maximize the most out of a limited number of cells in real-time when designing your plate map!”
— Whitney Symons, Customer Success Manager, Inventia Life Science
Enabling More Flexible Experimental Designs with RASTRUM Allegro
RASTRUM Cloud supports a new level of experimental flexibility enabled by RASTRUM Allegro, allowing researchers to configure and explore multiple biological conditions within a single PrintRun.
With the latest release, users can design PrintRuns that support up to seven distinct experimental conditions. This flexibility makes it possible to compare different cell types, activators, or patient samples side by side, while holding other variables constant. For example, researchers may choose to evaluate multiple patient-derived samples within the same matrix condition, or explore how a single cell model responds across a range of stimuli.
This capability was driven directly by customer feedback and is particularly valuable for screening workflows and precision medicine applications, where efficient comparison across conditions is critical.
To support this workflow, RASTRUM Cloud provides intuitive controls for configuring conditions and visualizing plate layouts. A slider interface allows users to quickly move between configurations, making it easy to explore experimental design options and confirm cartridge and plate layouts before committing to a run.
Built to Support the Whole Workflow, Not Just the Print
RASTRUM Cloud is more than a design tool. It is part of a broader support ecosystem that includes Customer Success, Technical Support Scientists, and a growing library of application notes, protocols, and publications.
The Customer Success team works closely with users to translate research goals into practical workflows and to ensure new features reflect real needs from the field. Feedback from customers directly informs ongoing software development, helping RASTRUM Cloud evolve alongside how researchers actually work.
“Coming from a background where I spent a lot of time working hands-on with scientific instruments at the bench, I really appreciate when powerful hardware is paired with software that’s intuitive and thoughtfully designed. RASTRUM Cloud feels polished and makes interacting with an impressive piece of technology feel straightforward and accessible, which goes a long way in helping users focus on their science rather than spending time coding or mastering a new software.
One of the things that stood out to me early on was how clearly collaboration was built into the design of RASTRUM Cloud. Instead of relying on screenshots or long explanations, you can simply share the URL of your PrintRun with a colleague who has a RASTRUM Cloud account, and they can immediately see exactly what you’re designing. It makes reviewing experiments, getting feedback, and working together feel effortless.”
— Sal DiLisio, Customer Success Manager, Inventia Life Science
Turning Planning into a Competitive Advantage
As advanced 3D cell models become more central to discovery and translational research, the ability to plan experiments clearly and consistently is no longer optional. RASTRUM Cloud gives researchers a practical way to design better experiments, reduce uncertainty, and make the most of their cells, matrices, and time.
By combining intuitive software with validated models and a dedicated support team, RASTRUM Cloud helps ensure that what happens before the print sets researchers up for success after it.
To learn more about RASTRUM Cloud or explore the latest features, reach out to your Customer Success Manager or connect with the Inventia Life Science team.
Watch the video to see how RASTRUM Cloud supports faster, more confident experimental planning →