We make your cell cultures more ALIVE

Our solution is a simple in vitro culture system that mimics key in vivo conditions

 

 

 

 

 

In Research

Our mission is to provide equipment for the study of cells in physiologically relevant conditions. We aim to have this equipment successfully used by a diverse group of researchers.

In Drug Development

Our mission is to impact human health by improving candidate drug selection, reducing animal testing, and increasing clinical trial success rates.

Simple

Single use components. No pumps or tubing. No special training required.

Media Circulation

Continuous unidirectional flow at controlled rates.

Customizable

2D, 3D, and co-culture cell cultures. High content imaging compatible.

The VitroFlo Approach

The VitroFlo system is comprised of a microfluidic cell culture plate and a rocker mechanism. Variations in the culture plate channel geometry, membrane porosity, and channel spacing support a variety of models and cell types. The programmable rocker mechanism can achieve a variety of media flow conditions and fluid shear rates.

VitroFlo Culture Plate

 

The VitroFlo patent-pending culture plate contains paired media reservoirs connected by one or more microfluidic channels to create a recirculating flow cell. The culture plates are compatible with manual and automated liquid handling and imaging systems.

Media Circulation with VitroFlo

 

Rocking the VitroFlo plate creates flow in one direction through the microfluidic cell culture channels and flow in the other direction through bypass channels. The results are controlled, near-continuous unidirectional flow and shear rates for cultured cells.  This delivers nutrients, removes waste, and stimulates cells.

Cell Co-Culture

 

The VitroFlo plate has a second microfluidic channel that is separated from the flow channel by a thin porous membrane. This channel can be used to culture a second cell type or monitor transport across the cells lining the upper channel. By combining two cell culture channels with a variety of fluidic conditions, the VitroFlo system can be used for a wide range of applications. We are proud of the work being done by our users and we are actively looking for new partners.

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VitroFlo Options

2D Flow

Unidirectional laminar fluid flows through a 2mm wide microfluidic channel. Fluid shear rates of up to 11 dynes/cm2.

2D/2D Co-Culture

An upper and a lower channel separated by a thin porous membrane. Cells can be cultured on both sides of the membrane and accessed from separate ports.

2D/3D Co-Culture

The lower channel can consist of a hydrogel with a suspension of cells. Controlled flow occurs at the upper channel.
“I have been working with the team since the beginning of the VitroFlo project. The VitroFlo system is enhancing my research on endothelial barrier function and flow-induced shear responses. The current beta product is unlike any other product on the market and I am confident it will propel my research to new levels.”  
Dr. Craig Simmons

Professor, Canada Research Chair in Mechanobiology

VitroFlo can be used in several mono and co-culture configurations. Applications include modeling barrier function, biochemical signalling, drug absorption, and more. With no pumps or tubing and the ability to run 12 independent tests in a single wellplate, the VitroFlo is sure to accelerate you to your research goals.

2D Flow Wellplates

The 2D wellplate provides continuous fluid shear over a cell monolayer. The rocker plate controls flow rates to generate mild perfusion to high shear conditions. A glass cover layer allows for clear fluorescent and confocal microscopy.
channel area 49 mm2
channel height 286 µm
cover layer (culture surface) glass
wellplate material polystyrene

2D/2D Co-Culture Wellplates

This version of the co-culture support 2 different cell monolayers on either side of a porous membrane. Controlled flow occurs in the upper channel and imaging can be done in both channels.
channel area (Upper) 49 mm2
channel height (Upper) 286 µm
channel area (Lower) 125 mm2
channel height (Lower) 286 um
cover layer (culture surface) glass
wellplate material polystyrene

2D/3D Co-Culture Wellplates

In this version of the co-culture, the lower channel contains a cell-seeded hydrogel or other 3D cell matrix. Controlled flow occurs in the upper channel and imaging can be done in both channels.
channel area (Upper) 49 mm2
channel height (Upper) 286 µm
channel area (Lower) 125 mm2
channel height (Lower) 286 um
cover layer (culture surface) glass
wellplate material polystyrene

VitroFlo Rocker

There are 4 protocols pre-programmed onto the VitroFlo Rocker. These offer a range of flow rates for cell stimulations.

Position 1: perfusion flow, 1dynes/cm2 shear, 200µL/min flow

Position 2: mild shear, 3dynes/cm2 shear, 600µL/min flow

Position 3: medium shear, 6dynes/cm2 shear, 1100µL/min flow

Position 4, high shear, 11dynes/cm2 shear, 2000µL/min flow

The Rocker can be operated inside an incubator without a PC connection.

The VitroFlo Recirculating Flow

A Quick Setup Guide

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