MicroSlide™
The MicroSlide™ (patent pending) has three separate wells arranged on the microtiter spacing, two for sample and one for control. All three wells are supplied by a single inlet, a single outlet carries away the perfusate, while maintaining even flow in each of the wells. Continuous flow into the bottom of each well and out the top helps ensure complete replacement of the well contents. An optically clear breathable membrane forms the top and bottom of the wells. The unique breathable lid attaches separately, so that attachment dependent cells can be introduced and contained in the wells before setting up the system for flow.
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BENEFITS
– The MicroSlide™ is sealed with a gas permeable membrane
– Growth media may periodically be exchanged in the wells without compromising the sterility of the system
– Internal fluid membranes eliminate contamination that may be introduced with the growth media
– The MicroSlide™ may be used in a standard incubator.
APPLICATIONS
A three well version of the cell culture system that flew in the NASA mission, the MicroSlide can be used to culture suspension cells without sample loss or cross contamination. The MicroSlide can be supplied with a plasma treated surface to promote adhesion of collagen for attachment dependant cells.
The volume of each well, 110 microliters, makes it possible to periodically exchange the fluid in the wells with fresh growth media without compromising the sterility of the system.
Similar to the NASA experimental protocol, the cells may be grown or observed until they are in need of fresh media, then the contents of the each chamber may be replaced simultaneously in all three wells.
The MicroSlide has a gas permeable layer to permit it to be used in a standard incubator. The bottom of the MicroSlide is optically clear and flat, ideal for observation under an inverted microscope.
TECH-INFO
Materials
Acrylic body and acrylic optical window bonded with a non-leaching solvent acrylic adhesive
A CO2 permeable film is used to seal the wells once the sample is loaded
0.45 µm porosity nylon membrane retains non-adherent cells in their respective well, no cross-talk.
Hose barb is Polysulfone
Contained volume, 110 µL per well. Channel volume approx.
Pathlength 3.0 mm
Sterility
The MicroSlide is available EtO sterilized in a pouch with two inches of silicone tubing on the inlet and outlet as well as a leur-to-hose barb fitting and a 3 cc plastic syring.
May also be purchased non-sterilize
Solvent compatibility
Ethanol ( up to 99.5%)
Isopropyl alcohol ( up to 91% in water)
Aqueous buffers with or without detergents
DO NOT FILL with Acetone or Aliphatic solvents such as Hexane. Wipe the optical window with lens tissue to avoid scratching.
Overall dimensions 1″ x 3″
Well diameter 6.5 mm arranged on 18 mm centers.
Hose barb connections use 1/16” OD soft silicone tubing.
Also available from ALine: silicone tubing, and adaptor to read MicroSlide wells in a standard Plate reader
Directions for use
Open the sterile pouch in a laminar bench and remove the MicroSlide. Fill the syringe with sterile buffer or media and fill the inlet side as shown in Figure 1 until liquid partially fills the well. Pipette 10 to 50 uL of cells into the well, and seal with the polystyrene film. Turn the device over and continue to fill the wells until liquid from the outlet is free of air bubbles. How to fill a MicroSlide (PDF)
It takes approximately four fluid volumes or 1.5 mLs of media to replace the entire contents of the well. Adjust the flowrate to accommodate the expected nutrient requirements of the cells.
We recommend a digital syringe pump or a peristaltic pump to continuously perfuse the wells in an incubator.
Maximum flow rate approx. 5 cc/min total.Figure 1 MicroSlide with silicone tubing
FAQ
How to Fill a MicroSlide?
Download the filling instructions: How to fill a MicroSlide (PDF)
