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Flow Cell Manifold

Model Number ACCFL0004

$36.99
  • Item Description
  • Specifications
  • Operation Manual
  • Technical Information
  • Peristaltic Pumps
  • Parts and Accessories
  • Includes peristaltic pump tubing and connective tubing
  • Includes Bubble trap
  • System comes sterilized (gamma irradiated)

Made in the USA

The IBI 3-channel Flow Cell (formerly Stovall 3-channel Flow Cell) is designed as a one-time use, affordable, sterile 3-channel flow cell apparatus for the creation of biofilms. This device allows for real-time, direct, non-destructive, on-line examination of biofilms with either a traditional transmission light microscope or a scanning confocal laser microscope which will produce a 3-D image of the biofilm.

For more details click on Technical Information below.

3-Channel Flow cell includes:
One, 3-channel cell w/#1 Glass Cover Slip.
Bubble trap
Peristaltic pump tubing.
Clear Influent and effluent tubing.
Inoculation tape (used to wrap around tubing and allow sterile injection of bacterial cells)
Gamma Irradiated in sealed packaging.

Typical flow rates thru 3-channel cell: 3ml – 5ml per/hour for each channel.
Up to four, 3-channel cells can be run simultaneously with the use of a 12-channel peristaltic pump.
Total length of 3-channel system including tubing: 91 inches.
Single channel dimensions: 1mm x 4mm x 40mm
3-channel cell, bubble trap and tubing can be placed inside 37 deg. incubator during use.

The 3-channel flow cell is gamma irradiated and comes complete with bubble trap (ACCFL0002) and peristaltic pump tubing and connective tubing. The 3-channel flow cell contains a #1 Glass cover slip. The underside of this cover slip is where the biofilm will attach and grow. When the experiment is complete, the cover slip is cut using a hand-held glass cutter (ACCFL0014) and removed along with the biofilm.

• The 3 separate channels allow for the simultaneous growth of 3 individual biofilms in the same cell.
• Luer connectors in the effluent tubing (downstream from the cell) allow for collection of effluent for further analysis.
• 3-channel full assembly measures 91 inches long including cell and tubing.
• Included bubble trap captures air bubbles before they reach the cell and also smooth peristaltic pump pulsations.
• System comes sterilized (gamma irradiated) and ready for use.
• Culture media bottles and peristaltic pump purchased separately.

In the flow cell there are two different surfaces, top surface which is made of glass slides, and the bottom surface which is made of plastic. So my question is the bottom surface also as smooth as the top surface, or is it rough to enhance the attachment of the bacteria? If I grow the biofilms on the top surface instead of bottom surface by flipping the system, will the biofilms will be same or not?

Most Biofilms are grown on the top surface (or underside of the glass slide). This allows for slightly better observation of the biofilm via microscope. The bottom surface will also grow most Biofilms but it is slightly more abrasive than the top surface. To grow on top surface, the bacteria is introduced while the cell is turned upside down (glass surface facing downward) and allowed to sit still with no media flowing for maybe an hour or more to allow attachment and growth to begin.

Can flow cells be heated?

Yes, flow cells can be heated. For most biofilms to grow, the recommended temperature is from mid 30° to 42° C. What limits the temperature range for experiments are the different strengths and expansion coefficients between glass and plastic and the fact that at elevated (i.e. higher than 42°) temperatures the glass and plastic begin to upset the bonding glue which holds them together.

What is a recommended Flow Rate for the culture media through a flow cell?

There really isn’t a “recommended” flow rate. Different Biofilm cultures can require different flow rates of culture media. A “Suggested” flow rate or starting point is around 5ml per/hr. To calculate this flow rate there are several things that must be taken into consideration, such as: Tubing I.D. the specifications of the pump being used (the number of pump rollers affects the flow rate, see pump manual) and the number of channels in the flow cell (3-channel VS convertible). For a 3-channel cell: Dis-connect effluent tubing from waste bottle and allow to flow into a 100 ml graduated cylinder. Allow to flow for exactly 10 minutes. After 10 minutes measure the amount of liquid in the graduated cylinder. Example: If 10 ml of liquid is measured in the graduated cylinder after 10 minutes, you have a 1 ml per/min flow. Since this is a 3-channel cell, you divide that by 3 which equates to .33 ml per/min through each cell. Adjust the pump accordingly to reach your desired flow rate.

What is the I.D. (Inner dimension) of the inlet and outlet tubing on the 3-channel flow cell?

The I.D. of the inlet and outlet tubing is 1/16”. This tubing is PVC material.

What is the overall length of the Flow cell assembly?

The overall length of the complete flow cell assembly is 91”.

What type of glue is used on the tube fittings found on the culture media bottle caps?

The glue used is a 3M product. It is a 2-part Epoxy that is rated for 162° C which should allow for autoclaving of the entire bottle and cap without issue.

Online Research Articles Referencing IBI (STOVALL) 3-Channel Flow Cells OmpR and RcsB abolish temporal and spatial changes in expression of flhD in Escherichia coli Biofilm/ Characterization and Comparison of Biofilm Development by Pathogenic and Commensal Isolates of Histophilus somni▿ How Staphylococcus Aureus biofilms develop their characteristic structure

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