Center Perfusion
Vacu-Cell^TM Incubation Chambers*

*Patent Pending

Center Perfusion Round (Models CPR-25 and CPR-18)

The Center Perfusion incubation perfusion chamber forms a small round flow chamber using a coverslip or other flat surface.  The chamber body has a diameter of 1.12 inches and is 0.65 inches tall.  The coverslip is held to the chamber body by a vacuum.  You can use a vacuum system provided by C&L Instruments or an ordinary laboratory vacuum.  

Dual o-rings isolate the vacuum from the area of the coverslip under study and securely hold the coverslip in place.  The image to the left shows a 1-inch coverslip adhered to the Vacu-Cell, forming a small circular chamber just above the coverslip.  With the center perfusion tube placed 0.5 mm above the coverslip, a 40 µl chamber is formed.

The Center Perfusion Round chamber is designed to form a small round chamber using a coverslip or other flat surface.  The chamber volume is 40 µl when the vertical perfusion tube is placed 0.5 mm above the surface of the coverslip.  This chamber is available in several materials, including stainless steel, black delrin and clear acrylic.  

Flow Profile

The standard fluidic ports for sample introduction or perfusion use 1/16 inch OD tubing.  Hose barb fittings for 1/16 inch ID tubing are available on request.  The vacuum port is a hose barb connector for a 1/16 inch ID tube.  

This image illustrates the incubation chamber cut in cross section.  Either perfusion port can be used for the inlet.

Center Perfusion Round, with Integrated Heating Element

The CPR Vacu-Cell^TM series made of metal (aluminum or stainless steel) are also available with an integrated heating element for precise temperature control.  Imbedded in the chamber body is a heating element and a 1/16 inch diameter hole for a temperature sensor.  The sensor is a component of our Model TC-30 Temperature Controller.  

Parylene-C Coated

All our Vacu-Cell^TM perfusion and incubation chambers that are made of black anodized aluminum are now also coated with Parylene-C.  The Parylene coating on the chamber is made to a uniform thickness of 0.5 mil (~12 microns).  This organic polymer coating makes the surface hard and completely bio-compatible.  It also exhibits a very low permeability to gasses.  This coating allows the chamber to be used for heat control (since aluminum conducts heat very well), but it effectively isolates the aluminum from your cells and media. You can read more about the remarkable properties of Parylene on our website. 

Stage Holders

Stage holders are available for many popular inverted microscopes.  These holders gently clamp the Vacu-Cell^TM on the stage of the microscope using a single retaining spring clip.  

Other Styles

We also manufacture other styles of Vacu-Cell^TM perfusion chambers for both circular and rectangular coverslips.  You can examine them on our product overview page.

Vacuum System

Vacuum Pump System (Model VCS-1)

We also offer a Vacuum Pump system for use with these perfusion chambers. The pump draws a vacuum of approximately -20 inches Hg and it fitted with a Luer-lock port for easy connectivity to standard tubing systems.  The Model VCS-1 vacuum pump assembly is approximately 8.4 (width) x 8.0 (depth) x 5.8 (height) inches in size.  These perfusion chambers also work well with other standard laboratory vacuum supplies.

Pricing Information

Temperature Controller

Temperature Controller (Model TC-30)

We provide a temperature controller designed to regulate the temperature of our Vacu-Cell^TM chambers.  The controller has several features designed for precise, noise-free temperature control.

Ordering Information, Chambers for 25 mm round coverslip

Ordering Information, Chambers for 18 mm round coverslip

Ordering Information, Stage Holders

(Specify microscope model when ordering)

Ordering Information, Coverslips

*No. 1, 0.13 - 0.16 mm thick
  No. 2, 0.19 - 0.23 mm thick

Download Product Specification Sheet

Pricing Information