Platform

The CellASIC™ ONIX Microfluidic Platform overcomes the limitations encountered with traditional microfluidic setups. Whether your experiment demands cell culture in hypoxia or dynamic changes in temperature, the platform provides an easy-to-use, intuitive solution. The control system is connected to the microfluidic plate via a low-profile manifold, which enables setup on any inverted microscope. Gas and temperature controls connect directly to the cell culture chamber, eliminating the need for atmosphere and humidity control on your microscope.
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The uniquely designed platform components that enable live cell imaging include:

CellASIC ONIX Microfluidic Platform Control System

The control system contains its own, internal pressure/vacuum supply to enable flow control in any setting. The system is the equivalent of 8 syringe pumps, a perfusion chamber apparatus, and a CO2 incubator, at a fraction of the cost, with greatly improved quality and ease of use, and easily portable from one microscope to another. A low-profile manifold connects the control system to the plates, and is easy to adapt to any inverted microscope stage.

CellASIC ONIX Microfluidic Platform Microincubator

The CellASIC ONIX Microincubator Controller provides precise and rapid control of the gas and temperature environment. The gas line feeds directly to the cell culture area via the innovative microincubation chamber created between the microfluidic plate and the manifold. The microincubation system maintains cells at 37°C, supplies 5% CO2 to an enclosed 1 mL chamber above the cells, allows continuous medium perfusion, and prevents evaporation-- all for up to three days on the microscope stage.

Gas control

The CO2 diffuses through the gas permeable membrane above the cells to provide the proper buffer for standard culture medium. Various gas compositions can be fed to the cells by connecting pre-mixed sources to the system.

Temperature control

Temperature control is provided with an on-board circulating heater to maintain the microfluidic cell culture area at the desired setpoint (25-37°C). In cases where an oil/water immersion objective is used, an objective heater is also necessary to prevent heat loss through the lens.


Side view schematic of the microfluidic plate and the microincubation manifold on a microscope stage. The manifold and plate assembly fit into standard 96-well plate holders on any inverted microscope. Since the manifold only contacts the microfluidic plate from the top, the bottom imaging surface (#1.5 thickness, 170 µm, glass slide) is easily accessible by any objective lens. An imaging window cut through the manifold provides optical clarity.
Side view schematic of the microfluidic plate and the microincubation manifold on a microscope stage. The manifold and plate assembly fit into standard 96-well plate holders on any inverted microscope. Since the manifold only contacts the microfluidic plate from the top, the bottom imaging surface (#1.5 thickness, 170 µm, glass slide) is easily accessible by any objective lens. An imaging window cut through the manifold provides optical clarity.