Vacu-Cell^TM Perfusion Chambers
Round Series*

*US Patent 7,245,368

Round Series

We have three standard Vacu-Cell^TM configurations in our round series to accommodate a variety of coverslip sizes.  Each is available in either black anodized aluminum or stainless steel.  Chambers manufactured from other materials (PEEK, black delrin) may be available on custom order.  These chambers are ideal for epifluorescence (inverted microscope) and TIRF fluorescence experiments.  The drawing to the left illustrates a chamber formed using one well of a microtitre plate.  Several chamber models are are also available with an integrated heating element for temperature control.

The standard fluidic ports for sample introduction or perfusion use either 1/16 inch OD tubing or 1/16 inch ID tubing, depending on the particular chamber model.  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.

Pricing Information

Laminar Flow Round series (LFR) 

The Laminar Flow Round series of chambers are designed to form a small rectangular flow chamber using a coverslip or other flat surface.  Shown to the left is the bottom view of this chamber.  A rectangular flow 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.  White arrows indicate the pattern of perfusion flow. The image above shows the top view of this chamber attached to the bottom surface of a 6-well microtitre plate.

This series of chambers is available in three models.  The LFR-25, LFR-18 and LFR-18m.  These are for 25 or 18 mm coverslips.

Open Top Round series (OTR)

The Open Top Round (OTR) series is a set of chambers for incubations when direct access to the liquid surface is required.  As with the LRF series, the OTR series of chambers attach to a flat surface using the force supplied by a vacuum.  Chambers in the OTR series are available in three diameters for three sizes of coverslips, including 12, 18 and 25 mm. 

The height of these three chambers are 0.220 inches.  The diameters differ depending on the model.  They are available in black anodized aluminum or stainless steel.  Other materials are available upon request.

Center Perfusion Round series (CTR)

The Center Perfusion Round (CPR) series is a set of chambers for incubations when the available sample size is small.  This chamber configuration forms a small flow chamber for microscopy.  It is available in black anodized aluminum and stainless steel.  Chambers made with other materials are available upon request.

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. 

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. 

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.