Fast sample or medium switch – Real time video
Changing the injected liquid inside a microfluidic device has numerous applications, such as sequential sample injection for biochemistry and flow chemistry, or medium switch for cell biology and 3D cell culture on chip. The easiest solution is to replace the liquid injected, but it is often not possible.
In addition to introduce bubbles in the experiment, this solution doesn’t allow a fast switch. In this application note, we will describe how to perform an automated and fast medium switch thanks to the OB1 MK3+ pressure controller and a MUX Distributor.
Flow controller OB1 MK3+
MUX Distributor
Sample reservoirs
Tubing
Fittings
Microfluidic device
This following diagram and pictures shows the microfluidic setup used in this application note.
The reservoirs are connected to the OB1 Mk3, for the pressure control and also to the MUX distributor. The aim is to have all the liquids already plugged in to prevent any bubble during the experiment and obtain a fast medium switch.
The valve outlet is connected to the chip, this configuration allows to inject liquids sequentially. The use of a flow sensor is optional, but it allows to know in real time the injected volume for each liquid.
You will find some pictures of the fluidic setup in the following gallery:
The MUX distributor enables the ability to have a simple control of the fast sample switch or medium switch. You enter your different solutions inside the software and ask for which one to inject inside the chip. The rotative valve will select your medium in less than one second. If a flow sensor is used in the setup, the software automatically displays the volume of injected liquid for each sample.
The fast sample switch can be done by hand but can also be automated thanks to the sequences programmer of the Elveflow software. This allows to obtain a better reproducibility and to plan long experiments. In the following video, a switch every 3 seconds between two liquids has been programmed. Note that no perturbation or air bubble have been introduced during the medium switches.
How can we help you?
Name*
Email*
Message
Newsletter subscription
We will answer within 24 hours
By filling in your info you accept that we use your data.
Do you want tips on how to best set up your microfluidic experiment? Do you need inspiration or a different angle to take on your specific problem? Well, we probably have an application note just for you, feel free to check them out!
Microfluidics is the science of handling small amounts of liquids, inside micrometer scale channels. Discover how to handle fluids for your microfluidic experiments.
This application note demonstrates a smart use ouf Elveflow's Pressure sensor and sensor reader for Direct-Ink-Writing flow control.
Learn how to set up your development environment for Elveflow products with this comprehensive tutorial.
This user guide will show you how to run microfluidic colocalization studies of single molecule spectroscopy.
This application note explores the basic principle of pneumatic pumps and a flow controller based on the basic principle of pneumatic pumps, known as pressure driven flow control. It also demonstrates the applications of pressure driven flow control in a range of industrial & research fields.
Flow regulation is a compulsory operation in most of the microfluidics operations. In some applications such as 2D or 3D cell culture, flow regulation is essential since accurate micro-environmental parameters control is required. Elveflow do it’s best to make this operation as easy as possible to help you to focus on what really matter in your setup.
Study the impact of molecular transport on cell cultures with a cross flow membrane chip and microfluidic instruments.
Precise liquid injection system for manipulation of small volumes of fluids using the MUX distribution and the MUX recirculation valve.
This application note explains how to set up a robust and reproducible microfluidic platform for liposomes assembly with improved encapsulation efficiency and reduced polydispersity in size.
Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are considered as quasi 1-dimensional (1D) carbon nanostructures, which are known for their outstanding anisotropic electronic, mechanical, thermal and optical properties.
This application note describes how to combine and synchronise liquid perfusion and imaging using an Olympus spinning disc confocal microscope together with an Elveflow pressure-driven flow controlled microfluidic system.
Mixing is a crucial step for several microfluidic applications like chemical synthesis, clinical diagnostics, sequencing and synthesis of nucleic acids
This application note describes how microfluidic can be employed as a nanoparticle generator based on the example of PLGA bead generation.
Learn how to perform PLGA nanoparticle preparation with Elveflow instruments and a microfluidic chip
Get a quote
Collaborations
Need customer support?
Serial Number of your product
Support Type AdviceHardware SupportSoftware Support
Subject*
I hereby agree that Elveflow uses my personal data Newsletter subscription
Message I hereby agree that Elveflow uses my personal data Newsletter subscription