Vacu-Cell^TM Perfusion Chambers
Rectangular Series*

*Patent Pending

Rectangular Series

C&L Instruments now offers three new exciting designs for use with rectangular coverslips. These designs provide wider sample surface areas than available with 18 or 25 mm round coverslips.

Large Window Rectangular (Model VC-RPC-LW)

Unlike other Vacu-Cell^TM models, the Large Window perfusion chamber uses two rectangular coverslips to form a closed perfusion chamber.  Dual o-rings on the top of the chamber body and dual o-rings on the bottom securely hold two 48 x 65 mm coverslips in place. Each coverslip is held in place using a separate vacuum port, so they can be used independently.  The chamber can also be used with only the bottom coverslip to allow direct access to the bottom coverslip surface.

When the Model RPC-LW is used with two coverslips, a rectangular chamber is formed with the two coverslips spaced by approximately 0.24 inches. The total volume within the chamber is 7.54 ml.  Inlet and outlet perfusion ports direct fluid along the bottom edge. The perfusion ports can be configured for use with 1/16 OD tubing (shown) or with hose barb connectors. 

Thin Window Rectangular (Model VC-RPC-TW)

The Thin Window perfusion chamber also uses two rectangular coverslips to form a closed perfusion chamber.  Two sets of dual o-rings on the bottom of the chamber body securely hold two coverslips in place. Each coverslip is held in place using a separate vacuum port, so they can be used independently.  The chamber can also be used with only the inner coverslip to allow direct access to the coverslip surface.

When the Model RPC-TW is used with two coverslips, a thin 24 x 40 mm rectangular laminar flow chamber is formed with the two coverslips spaced by 100 microns. The total volume between the coverslips is approximately 240 microliters.  The perfusion ports can be configured for use with 1/16 OD tubing (shown) or with hose barb connectors.

24 Well Rectangular Microtitre (Model VC-MT-24)

The Thin Window perfusion chamber also uses two rectangular coverslips to form a closed perfusion chamber.  Two sets of dual o-rings on the bottom of the chamber body securely hold two coverslips in place. Each coverslip is held in place using a separate vacuum port, so they can be used independently.  The chamber can also be used with only the inner coverslip to allow direct access to the coverslip surface.

When the Model RPC-TW is used with two coverslips, a thin 24 x 40 mm rectangular laminar flow chamber is formed with the two coverslips spaced by approximately 0.01 inches (250 microns). The total volume between the coverslips is approximately 240 microliters.  The perfusion ports can be configured for use with 1/16 OD tubing (shown) or with hose barb connectors.

Microscope Holders for Rectangular Configurations

We also provide holders for the Rectangular  Vacu-Cell^TM chambers to fit most popular inverted microscopes.  These holders clamp the Vacu-Cell^TM on the stage of the microscope using two small thumb screws. 

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. 

Perfusion Chamber Series

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.

Follow these links to pages that describe the various chambers available in these three series, and the accessories used with the chambers.

• Round Vacu-Cell Configurations
  • Laminar Flow Round
  • Center Perfusion Round
  • Open Top Round
• Rectangular Vacu-Cell Configurations
  • Large Window Rectangular
  • Thin Window Rectangular
  • 24 Well Microtitre
  • Laminar flow for 1x3 slides
• Mini Vacu-Cell Configurations
  • Large Window Mini
  • Thin Window Mini
  • OPen Top Mini
• Vacuum Pump System
• Temperature Controller
• Product Literature

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.