Vacu-Cell^TM Perfusion Chambers
Mini Series*

*Patent Pending

Mini Configurations

C&L Instruments offers three different perfusion chambers in the Mini Series.  These designs are similar to those in the Rectangular Series, but they use standard round coverslips rather than larger rectangular coverslips.  An added feature of the Mini Series is that the internal volumes are significantly less. 

The coverslip is held to the chamber body by a vacuum.  Dual o-rings isolate the vacuum from the area of the coverslip under study and securely hold the coverslip in place.

The external diameter of these perfusion chambers is 1.75 inches (44.5 mm) and the overall thickness is 0.18 inches (4.6 mm).  These chambers are available in parylene-coated black anodized aluminum.  The chambers are heated using a heated microscope stage adapter available from C&L.  Both the vacuum port and the perfusion ports are designed for use with 1/16 inch OD tubing.  Chambers are shipped with one set of port connectors and polyethylene (PE) tubing. 

See our Overview page for information about other perfusion chamber designs.  See our Pricing Page for current pricing and ordering information.  See our Download Page for detailed product literature.

Mini Configuration, Open Top
Model VC-MPC-OT

The Open Top Mini Series chamber holds a 25 mm diameter coverslip.  The open observation widow is 17.5 mm diameter.  Although this chamber uses one coverslip and it features an open top design, perfusion ports are also provided.  The image to the right is a sectioned view showing the perfusion ports and o-ring seals.  Click on the images for a larger view.

Mini Configuration, Large Window
Model VC-MPC-LW

The Large Window Mini Series chamber holds either one or two 25 mm diameter coverslips.  The coverslips are securely held to the chamber body by vacuum. 

The top and bottom coverslips are controlled separately using two vacuum ports, so the coverslips can be used independently.  Thus, the chamber can be used in an open top configuration and then closed for perfusion.   When closed, a sealed chamber is formed with the two coverslips separated by a distance of 3.7 mm.  The internal volume of the closed chamber is 890 microliters.  The clear observation area measures 17.5 mm diameter.  This chamber can be inverted for use with either a standard or inverted microscope!  The image to the right is a sectioned view showing the perfusion ports and o-ring seals.  Click on the images for a larger view.

Mini Configuration, Thin Window
Model VC-MPC-TW

The Thin Window Mini Series chamber holds one 15 mm (top) and one 25 mm diameter round coverslip (bottom).  The two coverslips are spaced to form a laminar perfusion chamber with a separation distance between the coverslips of 100 microns (using #1 coverslips). The clear observation window measures 8.0 mm diameter.  The image to the right is a sectioned view showing the perfusion ports and o-ring seals. 

The top and bottom coverslips are controlled separately using two vacuum ports, so the coverslips can be used independently.  The perfusion ports can be used with only the bottom 25 mm coverslip to fashion an open top design.  This chamber is ideal for TIRF microscopy and other experimental configurations when a minimal perfusion volume is desired.  This chamber can be inverted for use with either a standard or inverted microscope!   The image to the left shows a bottom view of the chamber without the attached coverslips.  Click on the images for a larger view.

Shear Stress Experiments

Several of our Vacu-Cell^TM chambers designs are ideally suited for experiments where application of a controlled shear stress cells on a coverslip surface is desired.  Details of how our chambers can be used for shear stress experiments are discussed in an Application Note.  Several of our customers have critically evaluated these chambers for use in shear stress experiments and have given us testimonials about their performance.  We invite you to read their comments. 

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. 

Categories

We offer Vacu-Cell^TM  chambers in three different series to suite various perfusion and microscopy requirements.  Several chambers can be used for either standard or inverted microscopes.  See our Overview page for information about other perfusion chamber designs. 

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.

Literature

Download our complete Vacu-Cell^TM product line specification literature (PDF format).  A current price list is also available.