For up to 16 culture inserts (12-well size) and optional 24-well size
The VITROCELL® 12/12 PLUS has been specifically designed and engineered for direct exposure studies of human-derived cell cultures at the air/liquid interface. It enables controlled exposure to airborne substances such as gases, complex mixtures, nanoparticles and fibers under physiologically relevant conditions.
The compact exposure module provides 16 compartments in a 4 x 4 layout, allowing simultaneous exposure to three dilutions of the test atmosphere and one clean-air control. Each exposure condition has four positions, accommodating up to four cell culture replicates.
Alternatively, the fourth position in each group can be used for integrated dosimetry, combining three cell culture replicates with one dosimetry position per exposure condition. Depending on the application, this position can be equipped with a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM), a TEM Grid Holder or a stainless-steel Dosimetry Insert for aerosol trapping in liquids. This flexible configuration allows cell exposure and dosimetric assessment to be performed simultaneously within the same module.
The robust base module is made of electropolished stainless steel and is fully autoclavable at 121 °C / 250 °F for 20 minutes. Electronic temperature control maintains a constant module temperature throughout the exposure process.
Dedicated adaptor sets accommodate 12-well and 24-well sized cell culture inserts. Combining flexible insert compatibility with a choice of additional replicates or integrated dosimetry, the VITROCELL® 12/12 Plus supports reproducible dose-response studies in a compact format.
For equal temperature control of all tubings and aerosol ducts. The professional solution to avoid condensation during the exposure to liquid aerosols.
The aerosol is guided from the central duct to the modules via isokinetic sampling probes enabling high reproducibility and uniformity of results.
The inlets aspirate directly from the constant flow of test substance.The isokinetic distribution system is made of stainless steel.
The optional dilution systems are equipped with air jets for dynamic dilution to obtain different dose / response results per row @ 3 replicates.
A complete rack system for fixation of components features a docking station with sliding base for fast and safe connections. The unique quick-connect system allows for tubeless connections of distribution and distribution systems.
Special sealing technology and connection mechanisms ensure a hermetic seal between the base module and the aerosol exposure top.
The aerosol flow is guided towards the cell culture inserts through specially shaped inlets with hyperboloid geometry. The inlets are available in stainless steel or stainless steel with a Diamond Finish surface treatment to minimize aerosol adhesion. They are specifically designed for applications involving aerosols containing nanoparticles.
The aerosol inlets are connected to the dilution and distribution system. A vacuum pump draws a controlled sample flow through the exposure module, with VITROCELL® calibration valves used to adjust the flow rates.
The aerosol exposure top is made of high-quality anodized aluminum and features inlet and outlet connections for a temperature-controlled water circuit. This allows its temperature to be matched to that of the base module.
VITROCELL® exposure systems have been specifically designed and engineered for direct exposure of mammalian cells and tissues at the air/liquid interface. Cell cultures grown on microporous membranes are supplied with culture medium from below, while their apical surface is exposed directly to the test atmosphere. This approach reflects physiologically relevant inhalation exposure conditions more closely than submerged exposure.
The QCM sensor can be integrated in the exposure module. It is capable of measuring the deposited mass in nanogram/cm2 per second. Results are reported online by the VITROCELL® Monitor software. Data is presented in graphs and stored in MS Excel®.
Liquid trapping of aerosol constituents, whether particles or gases, is one of the most established methods to determine the delivered dose. It is an easy and hands-on approach to dosimetry, and can be used in every VITROCELL® exposition system. So maybe this is all you really want?
The inserts come in every size there is, from 6-well up to 96-well. Typical trapping fluids are water, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). After exposition, different types of subsequent chemical or spectrometric analysis can be performed on the collected sample.
Additionally, VITROCELL® offers Kits for fluorescence spectrometry or Free Glycerol evaluation.
Whenever you need to determine the exact delivered dose to your cell culture, VITROCELL® QCM-Technology should be your choice.
Our sensors are placed right where the aerosol deposits the cell surfaces, mimicking nearly every aspect of a regular insert. Thus, their readout can be directly used as delivered dose to your cells, linearly spanning five decades of dosis (10 ng/cm2 … >100 µg/cm2).
Our sQCM 12 fits into 12-well compartments. It has been re-designed for maximum ease of use, allowing easy assembly and cleaning.
Furthermore, the sQCM 12 can be used for 24-well setups as well.
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