Coupon Evaluation Flow Cells
Flow Cells for Biofilm Microscopy on Real-World Coupon Materials
The BST Coupon Evaluation Flow Cells are designed for direct microscopy imaging of biofilm growing on material-specific coupons under continuous flow. Unlike standard glass-surface flow cells, these flow cells include recessed wells in the floor of the flow channel to hold flat coupon samples, allowing biofilm to be grown and imaged on titanium, stainless steel, PTFE, hydroxyapatite, or any other material of research interest, all within the same flow cell format. This makes the Coupon Evaluation Flow Cell the appropriate choice when the research question depends on substrate material rather than the glass or polystyrene surface common to most flow cells.
The flow cells are constructed in a sandwich of aluminum compression plates, silicone rubber gaskets, and a polycarbonate or anodized aluminum flow channel. Viewing windows are standard no. 2 microscope coverslips (60 x 24 mm), which provide high-quality optical glass, thin dimensions that maximize working focal depth, and low cost. Coverslips are easily swapped between experiments. The flow cells accept size 16 (3 mm ID) tubing and are rated to a maximum flow rate of 3.5 mL/min. All components are fully autoclavable and reusable. Anodized aluminum channels provide greater durability through repeated autoclave cycles compared to polycarbonate, which will eventually degrade with extended use.
Three coupon configurations are available across all models: a 6 x 25 mm rectangular slot coupon, three 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) disc coupons using the standard BST disc format, and three 10 mm disc coupons. Alternate coupon materials are available in all three coupon formats. The flow cells support transmitted light, epi-fluorescence, and confocal microscopy.
Choosing the Right Model
Four factors determine the correct flow cell model: number of channels, microscope stage type, whether Luer 3-way valves are needed, and channel material. Single-channel models (FC 71, FC 75) hold one flow channel per unit. Dual-channel models (FC 270 series, FC 271 series, FC 274 series, FC 275 series) hold two independent flow channels, allowing two coupon conditions, two materials, or a treatment and control to be run simultaneously in a single flow cell. The stage mount type determines which microscope the flow cell is compatible with; standard platform stage mounts fit upright microscopes, while the microtiter plate footprint models are designed for inverted microscope stages. The FC 271 and FC 275 series include a Luer 3-way valve on each channel, allowing aseptic mid-experiment addition of treatment agents, stains, or labeled compounds without disassembling the flow cell.
Coupon Evaluation Flow Cell Model Selection
| Model Series | Channels | Stage Mount | Injection Ports | Channel Material Options | Coupon Configurations Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC 71 | 1 | Standard Platform Stage (upright) | No | Polycarbonate or Anodized Aluminum | 1x rectangle (6x25mm), 3x disc (0.5in), or 3x disc (10mm) |
| FC 75 | 1 | Microtiter Plate Footprint (inverted) | No | Polycarbonate or Anodized Aluminum | |
| FC 270 | 2 | Standard Platform Stage (upright) | No | Polycarbonate or Anodized Aluminum | |
| FC 271 | 2 | Standard Platform Stage (upright) | Yes | Polycarbonate or Anodized Aluminum | |
| FC 274 | 2 | Microtiter Plate Footprint (inverted) | No | Polycarbonate or Anodized Aluminum | |
| FC 275 | 2 | Microtiter Plate Footprint (inverted) | Yes | Polycarbonate or Anodized Aluminum |
All models are specified by appending the channel material and coupon configuration to the model number. For example, FC 271-AL-3x10 is a dual-channel, upright-stage, injection-port flow cell with an anodized aluminum channel and three 10mm disc coupon wells per channel. Full model numbers and pricing are available in the shop.
Download PDFs for Single Channel Coupon Evaluation Flow Cells for more information and pricing:
FC 71-AL-3×0.5
Anodized Aluminum Single Channel Coupon Evaluation Flow Cell with the 3 x 0.5in coupon configuration and slots for mounting to a platform stage microscope.
FC 75-PC-3×0.5
Polycarbonate Single Channel Coupon Evaluation Flow Cell with the 3 x 0.5in coupon configuration and microtiter plate dimension for use on an inverted microscope. Pictured adapter not included.
Download PDFs for Dual Channel Coupon Evaluation Flow Cells for more information and pricing:
FC 270-AL-2×0.5
Anodized Aluminum Dual Channel Coupon Evaluation Flow Cell with 2 x 0.5in coupons per channel and slots for mounting to a platform stage microscope.
FC 270-PC-2×0.5
Polycarbonate Dual Channel Coupon Evaluation Flow Cell with 2 x 0.5in coupons per channel and slots for mounting to a platform stage microscope.
FC 274-AL-2×0.5
Anodized Aluminum Dual Channel Coupon Evaluation Flow Cell with 2 x 0.5in coupons per channel and 96-well plate dimension for use on an inverted microscope (viewing window on underside of flow cell).
FC 274-PC-2×0.5
Polycarbonate Dual Channel Coupon Evaluation Flow Cell with 2 x 0.5in coupons per channel and 96-well plate dimension for use on an inverted microscope.
