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The A2 plate is ideal for time-lapse imaging of adherent and non-adherent cells in a controlled environment. The optimized cell culture region provides continuous perfusion of culture medium, ensuring proper cell health. Two completely independent flow units (with identical flow properties) allows simultaneous imaging of two sets of cell/medium combinations. Compatible with the ONIX Platform or ONIX micro. |
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Ordering A2 Microfluidic Plate
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Suggested Use: Ideal for new users and experiments that require a single on/off solution switch. |
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Exposure Profile |
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Binary Switching - Expose cells to time-varying switching between 2 solution inlets. |
Microfluidic Plate Details |
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Figure 1Well Layout |
The well layout of the A2 device is schematically depicted in figure 1. Each flow unit consists of 5 wells arranged in a single row. There are two flow inlets for solution switching, a medium inlet, an open well for imaging, and a cell inlet/flow outlet. The two units can be operated simultaneously, allowing comparison of two different experiment conditions with identical flow properties. |
Figure 2 Culture Area |
The microfluidic cell imaging design is depicted in figure 2. The cell inlet introduces the suspended cells into the large (1mm x 3mm) culture area. Cell loading is initiated with an enclosed "Cell Load Plug" which (similar to a cork) creates a slight positive pressure when inserted into the loading well. This method allows rapid and uniform loading inside a tissue culture hood. Cells in the microfluidic plate can be cultured in a standard incubator (without any external equipment) for up to a week utilizing an innovative gravity perfusion design. A microfluidic perfusion barrier prevents cells from leaving the culture area, while enabling rapid liquid transport to the cells. Twelve (4x3) position markers are incorporated into each trap area to facilitate image navigation. Each marker has a missing dot at the location corresponding to the global position in the array, and a unit marker in the corner (I or II) to identify the flow unit. |
Figure 3 Flow Rate |
After the cells have attached, they can be exposed to the two flow solutions through the "flow channels." The two flow inlets enter the main flow channel as depicted in Figure 2. The design of the nozzles prevents back flow as well as any cells from blocking the channel. Due to the small volume of the microfluidics (<100 nl), low flow rates can be used to sustain long term culture. Figure 3 shows the volumetric flow rate as a function of applied pressure. At a pressure of ~2 psi, a single experiment (300 ul) can be operated for over 3 days continuous flow. |
Figure 4 Switch Time |
A key feature of the A2 design is the ability to change the solution exposed to the cells. After switching the flow on the control panel, the solution surrounding the cells will experience a rapid and complete turnover due to the properties of laminar microfluidics. Figure 4 reports the time for complete turnover. Cells closer to the inlet channels will experience proportionately faster exchange. A #1 glass bottom specially formulated for cell culture enables high NA imaging on an inverted microscope. The microfluidic plate will fit to any standard 96-well stage holder. For increased throughput and faster solution exchanges, see the M8 microfluidic plate. |
Cells Loaded |
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24 Hours After Loading |
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