Vacu-Cell^TM Perfusion Chambers
Round Series*

*Patent Pending

Round Series

We currently have three standard round Vacu-Cell^TM configurations, and each is available in a variety of materials including black anodized aluminum, stainless steel, black delrin and clear acrylic.  The chamber made of clear acrylic allows the surface to be also viewed by transillumination.  These chambers are ideal for epifluorescence and TIRF fluorescence experiments.  The drawing to the left illustrates a chamber formed using one well of a microtitre plate.  For a complete 3-D view of this innovative design, download the animated chamber.

The chambers made of metal (black anodized aluminum, stainless steel) are also available with an integrated heating element for temperature control.

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.  

If you need a custom configuration or chamber style, chances are we can make it for you. Please contact us, and we would be pleased to discuss your requirements.

Laminar Flow Round for 25 mm diameter coverslip (Model VC-LFR-25) 

The Laminar Flow Round chamber is designed to form a small rectangular flow chamber using a coverslip or other flat surface.  Shown to the right is the bottom view of this chamber.  A chamber with a thickness of 0.25 mm is created between the chamber body and the coverslip.  Entrance and exit ports are provided for perfusion of the chamber.  

Laminar Flow Round for 18 mm diameter coverslip (Model VC-LFR-18) 

This Laminar Flow Round chamber is similar to the chamber descrived above, but it is designed for use with a 18 mm diameter coverslip.  It will also attach to a larger coverslip other flat surfaces.   Shown to the right is the bottom view of this chamber (shown with attached coverslip).  A chamber with a thickness of 0.25 mm is created between the chamber body and the coverslip.  

Center Perfusion Round for 25 mm diameter coverslip (Model VC-CPR-25) 

This chamber is designed for low volume perfusion when a laminar flow pattern is not required.  With the center perfusion tube placed 0.5 mm from the top of the coverslip, a chamber with a total volume of 40 microliters is created.  This chamber will also attach to a larger coverslip other flat surfaces.  Shown to the right is the bottom view of this chamber ( shown with attached coverslip).  This chamber configuration is also available for use with 18 mm coverslips.

Open Top Round for 25 mm diameter coverslip (Model VC-OTR-25) 

The Open Top Round chamber is designed to form a open chamber using a 25 mm coverslip or other flat surface.  The open section in the center (0.53 inch diameter) allows direct access to the top of the coverslip. 

Microscope Holders for Round Configurations

We also provide holders for these Vacu-Cell^TM chambers to fit most popular inverted microscopes.  These holders gently clamp the Vacu-Cell^TM on the stage of the microscope using a single retaining spring clip. 

Pricing Information

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. 

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.