Automated Platforms

Microfluidic Automated Platforms

The VenaFluxTM Platform is the first semi-automated microfluidic platform capable of executing cell rolling, binding/adhesion and migration studies under shear flow mimicking in vivo flow rates.

Features:

Robust and easy to use
Ideal for use with whole blood for platelet adhesion, aggregation and thrombi formation (thrombosis); biofilm culture ove extended periods of time.
Easy to study cell adhesion, migration and transmigration - more physiologically relevant than static assays.
Excellent platform for in vitro studies and running experiments in parallel with animal models.

Applications:

Functional cell-ligand and cell-cell interaction studies.
Morphology analysis of cell adhesion and migration.
Tracking of flowing, rolling and migrating cells.
IC50 curves easily produced.
Preclinical drug development and lead optimization.

Specifications

The following specifications relate to the key components of the VenaFlux Platform: Mirus Evo Nanopump, VenaFluxAssay Softwarea and Kima pump

Specifications relating to Microscopy Workstation, Temperature Control, Cell Analysis Software and PC Control vary depending on user application. Contact us for further information.

Mirus Evo Nanopump
MutliFlow8	Capable of executing up to 8 assays in parallel in Vena8 biochips resulting in an 8-channel syringe pump
Shear Stress Range for cell suspension	0.05 - 10 dyne/cm²; steps of 0.05 dyne/cm² (100 mL syringe)
Shear Stress Range for whole blood*	2.25 - 450 dyne/cm² (1 mL syringe)
Volumetric Flow Rates	100 nL/minute - 20 μL/minute (100 mL syringe)
Dead Volume	600 μL
Sample Volume Increments	Freely adjustable Pulsatile flow option available
Valve Switching Time	30 ms max (at 20^oC, 2hz, with air under 10psi pressure)
Working Pressure	30 psi - 2 bars maximum
Linear Velocity Range**	10 μm/s to 10 cm/s
Flow Direction	Reversible
Sample Volume Aspiration Accuracy	±1%
Shear Stress Accuracy	±0.5%
Sample Volume Aspiration Precision	<1% CV
Shear Stress Precision	0.5% CV
External Trigger	2 inputs and 2 outputs externall trigger for better operation with external units and softwares
Software Control	Integrated VenaFlux Assay software
Dimensions	Pump: 84mm (W) x 180mm (D) x 192.5mm (H) MultiFlow8: 140mm (W) x 35mm (D) x 140mm (H)
Weight	Pump: ~2kg MultiFlow8: <0.5kg

*Considering human whole blood with a viscosity of 4.5 cP
**Given for the flow of distilled water in a microcapillary with dimensions: 400 mm (W) x 100 mm (D) x 20 mm (L)

VenaFluxAssay Software

Execution of preset protocols, simultaneous control of pumping, scanning and image acquisitions, sample transfer and protocol flow. Intuitive stepwise protocol interface with steps hierarchy and status control.
Office2007 GUI interface, preset and user-designed protocols.

Kima pump
Volumetric Flow Rates	Perfusion mode: 15 - 35 mL/hr (*) +/- 4%
Shear Stress Range	Perfusion mode: ~2.5 to ~6.5 dyne/cm²(**)
Dead Volume	< 300 µL
Working Pressure	30 psi - 2 bars maximum
Flow Direction	Dispense only. Two modes: wash and perfusion (controlled only by Kima controller via iPod Touch / iPhone)
Additional features	Plug and play with Kima controller and iKima Application (available for iPod Touch / iPhone) Featured with standard 100mL bottle holder
Dimensions	190mm x 85mm x 90mm (L x W x H)
Weight	< 800g (bottle and tubing not included)
Conditions of use	Temperature: 10˚C to 60˚C Humidity: < 98% RH Altitude: < 2000m