Transmission Flow Cells

Flow Cells for Transmitted Light Biofilm Microscopy

The Transmission Flow Cells are designed for transmitted light microscopy of biofilm growing on glass surfaces or on irregularly shaped samples placed directly in the flow channel. Unlike the Coupon Evaluation Flow Cells, which hold flat disc or rectangular coupons in recessed wells, the Transmission Flow Cells use both a top coverslip and a bottom glass slide as viewing windows, creating a true transmitted light path through the chamber. This makes them the appropriate choice for phase contrast, bright-field, and transmitted fluorescence microscopy where light must pass through the sample from below.

The flow channel is 2.0″ (50 mm) long by 0.5″ (13 mm) wide by 0.10″ (2.35 mm) deep (substantially deeper than the Coupon Evaluation FC), providing enough clearance to accommodate three-dimensional samples such as suture segments, catheter sections, porous media, or membrane materials placed directly in the flow stream. Biofilm develops on the glass surfaces and on any sample present in the channel under continuous flow conditions. All Transmission Flow Cells are machined from anodized aluminum, which withstands repeated autoclave cycles better than polycarbonate and is the only channel material available for this flow cell type.

The flow cells are constructed in a sandwich of aluminum compression plates, silicone rubber gaskets, and the anodized aluminum flow channel. The top viewing window is a standard no. 2 microscope coverslip (60 x 24 mm) and the bottom window is a standard 25 x 75 x 1 mm glass slide. Both windows are easily replaced 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. Transmitted light, epi-fluorescence, and confocal microscopy are all supported.