Build your own: What do I need to get started?
Many researchers that come to Cellix have more equipment in their labs than they realize! Take a look around your lab - doing cell-based assays under flow with Cellix’s biochips does not have to mean an expensive investment in capital equipment.
This is what you need to get started:
Item |
Notes / Comments |
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Biochips |
Vena8
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.VenaEC™ Biochip
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Biochip Frame Holder |
Tell us the make and model of your microscope and we can provide you with a frame that will work with Cellix biochips. |
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Syringe Pump |
While we recommend Cellix’s patented Mirus Nanopump capable of producing incredibly accurate flow rates / shear stresses; many of our existing customers already have a syringe pump in their labs. If this is the case for you, we can provide you with tubing and connections to work with our biochips.
Mirus Nanopump™
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Inverted Microscope |
Compatible with Zeiss, Leica, Nikon, Olympus and many more.
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Digital Camera |
Cellix supply Deltapix digital cameras but all are compatible.
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ComputerAnalysis Software |
We recommend Cellix’s DucoCell but you can also analyse your images with MetaMorph amongst many others.
DucoCell™ Analysis Software
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Microscope Cage Incubator |
Optional but recommended. Many groups we have worked with do not have this item and do their cell-based assays at room temperature or have a heated stage on their microscope. It is recommended to have your cells at 370C while doing your experiment and so we would advise all customers to have some form of heating element included. |
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Upgrade Options Include:
Item |
Notes / Comments |
Mirus Nanopump |
Cellix’s patented syringe pump capable of delivery incredibly accurate flow rates / shear stresses. This can also be upgraded with the MultiFlow8 (Manifold) such that 8 assays may be run simultaneously in the Vena8 biochip . |
MultiFlow8 (Manifold) |
Cellix’s manifold enables the flow from the Mirus Nanopump to be split into 8 separate tubes to conduct 8 assays simultaneously in the Vena8 biochip. Only compatible with Mirus Nanopump.
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Activ-Reflow (Recirculation) |
An addition to Cellix Mirus Nanopump that enables users to recirculate their sample (e.g. whole blood) through Cellix’s biochips. Excellent for long-term studies over several hours. Only compatible with Mirus Nanopump.
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Inverted Microscope with fluorescence |
Can also stain/tag your cells for fluorescent imaging. In addition to phase contrast imaging, this option is very often used by researchers staining platelets in whole blood samples.
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Motorized Stage for Microscope |
Motorized stage can be computer controlled and enables scanning of Vena8 biochip for automated image acquisition. Recommended with Manifold with Mirus Nanopump.
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VenaFlux Software |
Automated integration of Mirus Nanopump software, motorized stage software and image acquisition through Vena8 biochip scanning. |
For more automated options, the VenaFlux platform is ideal. If you would like to find out if your existing equipment is suitable to get started with Cellix's biochips, click here.