Closed systems are used when the experiment requires that the specimen be contained in a completely air tight environment or the optical constraints of the microscope dictate a more precise definition of optical surfaces.
The following section offers an integrated solution for closed-system micro-environmental control complete with near laminar perfusion, user definable volume and flow and optical compatibility with nearly all modes of light microscopy .
But most importantly!
It does not matter what or who's chamber you use
If
You are using immersion objectives you will need an
After rigorous preparation your cells will need a micro-observation environment that is
both conducive to their viability and compatible with all techniques of microscopy!
The Bioptechs Focht Chamber System 2 (FCS2)
Was Designed With This Philosophy
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What is it?
The Focht Chamber System 2 (FCS2) is a closed system, live-cell micro-observation chamber, that offers several advantages over other chambers. In addition to its unique perfusion and thermal control systems it is fully compatable with all modes of microscopy. It is also the only chamber to combine high volume laminar flow perfusion rates with Koehler illumination and precise temperature control without an air curtain.
How does it work?
Temperature Control:
The FCS2 was designed to maintain accurate thermal control and allow high volume laminar flow perfusion. Both of these functions are incorporated into our patented Microaqueduct Slide (see drawing below). The surface of the slide, opposite the specimen side, is coated with an electrically conductive transparent thin film of Indium-Tin Oxide (ITO) and two electrical contacts (bus bars). When the FCS2 is completely assembled two electrical contacts, (not shown in drawing), which are contained in the electrical enclosure rest on the bus bars. A temperature controller is used to pass a regulated current flow through the ITO Coating. This causes the the surface of the slide to heat. The heat is transferred through the perfusable media to the cell surface on the coverslip thereby providing first surface thermal control. The self locking base of the chamber is also temperature regulated to provide periphural heat as well.
Perfusion:
The surface of the Microaqueduct slide, opposite the coated side, contains "T" shaped grooves which allow for laminar flow perfusion (see drawing). At the end of each of these grooves is a hole. These holes correspond to two 19 guage tubes 180 degrees apart on the underside of the upper half of the chamber, (not visible in the drawing). These tubes are attached to two larger 14 guage tubes which protrude out of the side of the chamber. These larger tubes are used to attach Tygon, Pharmed, or any other appropriate tubing material for perfusion.
| Physical Size | 75mm OD 13mm high |
| Coverslip | No. 1.5 thick x 40mm Diameter |
| Imaging Aperature | 22mm |
| Maximum Volume | 706mm^3 |
| Minimum Volume | <31mm^2 |
| Maximum Volume Exchange Rate | 1/sec |
| Minimum Fluid Aperature | 0.6mm^2 |
| Separation between optical surfaces | 50 - 1000 microns |
| External port ID | 1.6mm |
| Temperature Stability | +/- 0.2 degrees C |
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A cross-sectional view of an asssembled FCS2 is also
available.
Tel 01763 262680 01763262676
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