Convertible Flow Cell w/Plastic Cover Slip

• Single chamber cell measuring 7.7cm3
• Detachable – re-attachable top.
• Tops available in glass or plastic cover slip
• Full assembly includes all necessary tubing.

IBI convertible flow cells offer more versatility for biofilm research. The single chamber, measuring 7.7cm3 (24mm x 40mm x 8mm), has a detachable, re-attachable top, which allows the researcher to insert test samples directly into the flow chamber, such as polymers, metals or other materials/appliances. These test samples can then be exposed to cultures of interest by injecting through the septum located on the top of the cell frame.

For more details click on Technical Information below.

Made in the USA

Chamber Dimensions: 7.7cm3
Overall length (includes tubing):91 inches
Cover slip:Tissue Culture Treated APET plastic cover slip.
Comes complete with:Convertible flow cell w/APET Plastic cover slip, influent and effluent manifolds, peristaltic pump tubing, clear influent and effluent tubing, luer lock effluent interrupt, I.D. flags pre-attached in 2 places, two pinch clamps and inoculation tape.
System comes Gamma Irradiated in sealed packaging.

Convertible Flow Cell Manual

The convertible flow cell has two options for detachable tops, a glass cover slip top or a TCT coated APET plastic cover slip top. The APET cover slip top does provide better surface attachment for certain types of biofilms.

The detachable tops also allow the researcher to coat the glass or plastic cover slip top with a variety of materials: such as seeded cells, proteins, polymer films, and/or ECM for experiments testing the response of biofilms or cells to different materials. As with other IBI flow cells, the convertible flow cell allows the user to monitor the biofilm in real time via standard or confocal laser microscopy. Complete convertible flow cell assemblies and single cells are available, and come gamma irradiated. The devices are single use only and cannot be autoclaved for re-use.

Increased Transfer of a Multidrug Resistant Plasmid in E.Coli Biofilms at the Air-Liquid Interface

Molecular Characterization of Host-Specific Biofilm Formation in a Vertebrate Gut Symbiont

Can the flow cells be heated?

Yes, the flow cells can be heated. For most biofilms to grow, the recommended temperature is from mid 30°s to 42° C. What limit 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 degrees) temperatures the glass and plastic begin to upset the bonding glue which holds them together.

What is the recommended flow rate of culture media through my convertible flow cell?

There really isn’t a “recommended” flow rate for the culture media through the Convertible flow cell as different cultures can require different culture flow rates. A “suggested” flow rate that can be referenced as a starting point would be about 5 ml per/hour. When calculating flow rates through the convertible flow cell several factors must be considered: Tubing I.D, the specifications of the peristaltic pump, such as the amount of rollers etc. Reference pumps manufacturers operation manual. To begin flow rate calculations, remove tubing from media waste container and place into 100 ml graduated cylinder. Initiate pump and run waste media into cylinder for 10 minutes. Stop pump and observe the amount of media deposited in the graduated cylinder during the 10 minutes. Calculate flow rate and adjust accordingly as required.

I am using the convertible flow cell to grow a culture on a specific appliance that I have placed inside the cell however; my culture is not growing, what could be wrong?

First verify the flow rate of media through the cell. It should be somewhere in the range of 4 ml– 5 ml per/hour. Next, bacteria cultures are not like cells in the fact that they require some time to attach themselves to the surface of interest. Prior to starting the flow of culture media through the cell, the bacteria should be allowed to sit quietly in the media in order to initiate attachment and growth. Also verify that the flow rate (noted above as the first thing to check) if the flow rate is too high the bacteria culture will not remain attached and thus will not grow on the surface.

What are the dimensions of the convertible flow cell?

The usable area within the convertible flow cell is 7.7 cm3. Actual measurements are: 24 mm (W) x 40 mm (L) x 8 mm (D).

What is the Inner Dimension (I.D.) of the tubing that connects to the inlet and outlet of the convertible flow cell? What is the tubing made of?

The I.D. of the inlet and outlet tubing for the Convertible flow cell is 1/16”. The tubing is made up of PVC.

What is the thickness of the plastic cover slip on the convertible flow cell?

The thickness of the plastic cover slip is 0.25 mm

What type of plastic resin is the flow cell made from? Is this reactive or non-reactive with water disinfectants (e.g., free chlorine)

The flow cells are injection molded using a cyclo olefin polymer (COP). This material has low water absorption qualities and excellent optical properties. This material is non-reactive to water disinfectants such as chlorine.

What is the overall length of the Convertible flow cell assembly?

The overall length of the Convertible flow cell assembly is 91 inches.

ConvertibleFlow Cell Peristaltic Pumps

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