Your Cart (0)
Thumbnail Filmstrip of Bioptechs FCS3 Chamber 21-060319-3-03 Images
Bioptechs FCS3 Enviromental Chamber
What is it?
The Focht Chamber System 3 (FCS3 ®) is a closed system, live-cell micro-observation flowcell chamber that offers several advantages over other chambers. In addition to its unique perfusion and thermal control system, it is fully compatible with all modes of microscopy. It is also the only chamber to combine high-volume laminar flow perfusion rates with Koehler illumination and precise temperature control without an air curtain. Its user definable flow characteristics make it adaptable to nearly any protocol where cells are perfused in a flow-cell.
Why do you need an FCS3
The FCS3 is a flow cell or flow chamber that is designed specifically for the demands of today’s live-cell imaging requirements. It has limitless flow characteristics because its flow geometry can easily be customized by the user. It can provide low shear near laminar flow as well as high shear in a directed flow and anything in between. The most important feature of the FCS3, other than unequalled temperature uniformity, is that there is a precise directed flow of media over the cells. Open dish type chambers do not provide the flow capabilities of the FCS3. The FCS3 provides an optical imaging cavity where the user can precisely define the optimum flow characteristics necessary for the experiment. FCS3 users enjoy the following characteristics:
- Easy no tools needed assembly
- Compatibility with all modes of microscopy
- Complete control of the volume within the optical cavity
- Complete control of the separation between optical surfaces
- Complete control of the shape or profile of the flow channel
- Complete control of the temperature uniformly across the entire field
- Compatable with upright microscopes
How does it work?
Cells are grown on a 40mm glass coverslip. This coverslip is then incorporated into a perfusable fluid optical cavity that is compatible with all modes of microscopy, and its geometry can be easily defined by the user. This optical cavity is secured into a fixture on the stage of the microscope where media can be perfused or remain static. When media enters the chamber, it is prewarmed, then emerges into a fluid optical path where the media is precisely directed over the cells. The media is collected within the optical cavity and directed out of the chamber on the other side. The flow characteristics of the media in the optical cavity are easily modified by selecting gaskets of varying geometry that direct the flow. Temperature control is maintained by both peripheral thermal support from the chamber metal frame and heat that is emitted from an electrically conductive optically transparent coating on the Microaqueduct “window” of the optical cavity. This technique provides uniform temperature control across the entire field, thus eliminating the temperature gradient that occurs with other designs. This technique also enables the FCS3 to recover from perfusion induced temperature fluctuations in just seconds.
Temperature Control:
The FCS3 was designed to maintain accurate thermal control and allow high-volume laminar flow perfusion. Both of these functions are incorporated into our patented Microaqueduct Slide (see drawing below). The surface of the Microaqueduct Slide, opposite the specimen side, is coated with an electrically conductive, transparent, thin film of Indium-Tin Oxide (ITO), and two electrical contacts (busbars). When the FCS3 is completely assembled two electrical contacts, (not shown in drawing), which are contained in the electrical enclosure rest on the busbars. A temperature controller is used to pass a regulated current through the ITO Coating. This causes the surface of the slide to heat. The heat is transferred through the media to the cell surface on the coverslip thereby providing direct thermal control. The self locking base of the chamber is also temperature regulated to provide peripheral heat as well.
This thermographic image demonstrates the uniform temperature distribution of an FCS3. Notice that the coverslip temperature is so uniform that its location, in infrared, is indistinguishable from the base of the chamber. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the ITO heated Microaqueduct Slide. It is capable of re-equilibrating cell temperature within seconds of perfusion and eliminates the typical thermal gradient that occurs with peripheral heating.
Microaqueduct Perfusion:
A fluid pathway is formed by separating the Microaqueduct Slide from the coverslip containing cells with a single silicone gasket. This gasket can be any thickness from 50 micron to 1mm and any lateral geometry you choose or create. This arrangement allows the user to define the flow characteristics. Therefore, you are not limited by the geometry of the optical cavity. Instead you select or create it! Fluid access to this flow channel is made through two 14-gauge needle stock tubes protruding from the sides of the chamber top. These tubes provide fluid connection to two perfusion holes in the Microaqueduct Slide that interface two “T” shaped grooves cut into the inner surface of the Microaqueduct Slide. The “T” groove allows the media to seek the path of least resistance and become nearly laminar before flowing across the cells. This technique eliminates the need for the metal perfusion ring and additional gaskets, which are the limiting factors, required by most conventional chambers. (see drawing below)
Isometric View of Optical Cavity
Microaqueduct Slide is transparent glass but rendered as a solid to improve contrast to illustrate function. Microaqueduct design enables proper Koehler illumination with high-numeric aperture optics for both transmitted and reflected modes of microscopy. Suitable for static or high rate of flow procedures where a rapid exchange of media is required with low cell surface shear Cell temperature can be controlled from ambient to 50 degrees C +/- 0.2 degrees C without the need of an air curtain. Temperature is controlled uniformly across entire field with media equilibrating as it enters the chamber. (see drawing above)
Microaqueduct design enables proper Koehler illumination with high-numeric aperture optics for both transmitted and reflected modes of microscopy.
- Suitable for static or high rate flow applications where a rapid exchange of media is required with low cell surface shear
- Cell temperature can be controlled from ambient to 50 degrees C +/- 0.2 degrees C without the need of an air curtain
- Temperature is controlled uniformly across entire field with media equilibrating as it enters the chamber
- Closed system so that bicarbonate CO2 or organic buffers can be employed
- Compatible with 1/16″ tubing for perfusion (C-Flex, Tygon, etc.)
- Easily assembled with ordinary skill (no tools required)
- Stand-alone temperature controller with an alarm circuit to safeguard your cells
- Near laminar flow
Exploded View of FCS3 Chamber
- FCS3 Top
- FCS3 Pressure Plate
Designed to assure parallel uniform closure, eliminate leaks, & broken coverslips - 40mm coverslip
Surface where your cells are grown - Singular lower gasket
This gasket can have any internal geometry you desire
Standard thicknesses from .1mm to 1mm
Allows you to define the volume and flow characteristics of the chamber - Microaqueduct Slide
An optical surface which integrates perfusion and temperature control
High-volume laminar flow
Koehler Illumination
Electronically conductive coating for temperature control - Upper Gasket
Provides a seal between the FCS3 base and Microaqueduct slide
Perfusion Tubes (14 gauge) (CO2 Perfusion Drawing) - FCS3 base
Temperature controlled
Dovetail to lock into stage adapter for stability
Singular lower gasket
By simply changing this one gasket you can change the volume of the chamber. This gasket can have any internal geometry you desire and can be any thickness from 0.1mm to 1mm. The drawing below shows the standard shapes of the gaskets that we include with every FCS3. We also include solid gaskets for you to custom fit to your application. Once you have found the shape that works best for your experiment, you can contact us to have a die made to those specifications. Examples of standard gasket outlines (below)
All returns must be authorized by Spectra Services in order to insure proper credit and must be requested within 30 days of purchase. All returns are subject to a minimum 15% restocking charge. For returns not due to error on behalf of Spectra Services, the customer is responsible for all transportation fees related to the returned product. To ensure proper credit, each product return must include the following information:
- Customer name and address
- Purchase order number
- Spectra Services shipping order number
- Date of invoice
- Item number of returned item(s)
- Spectra Services return authorization number (RMA)
- Reason for return
Non-Returnable Goods
Unfortunately, Spectra Services is unable to accept the following returns at this time:
- Products not in completely resalable condition (including products with damaged, missing, or defaced labeling or packaging
- Chemicals, reagents, diagnostics, sterile, or any controlled products (unless products do not meet specification
- Laboratory apparatus or instruments that have been used or are without the original packaging, labeling and operating manuals
- Refrigerated products or other perishables
- Products which are not inventoried by Spectra Services and are not able to be returned to the manufacturer
- Products purchased on a special order
- Products not purchased from Spectra Services
- Products with an expired shelf life or an expiration date too short for resale
- Discontinued products
Spectra Services reserves the right to review this policy on a case-by-case basis.
Pre-Owned Products
Upon receipt of the pre-owned product(s), the customer has one week to evaluate the product to ensure it meets their expectations. If for some reason the customer decides to return the product, they may do so at any point during those seven (7) days for a full refund. No restocking fee will be assessed, however, the customer is responsible for the return shipping costs. Full credit will be issued upon receipt and inspection of the item(s) to ensure equipment was returned in the same condition it was initially shipped out in.
Important Information
All exchanges and returns require the completion of a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) form. Once completed, please return the merchandise immediately as the RMA number is only active for ten (10) days from the date of issuance.
Charges associated with returning items are the responsibility of the customer unless the item(s) arrived defective, damaged, or incorrect.
Spectra Services highly recommends that return packages be insured for full value and packaged securely to prevent shipping damage.
We're Here To Help
Your satisfaction is important to us! Use this form Contact Us to email us your questions about products, online orders, store experiences and more.
Order Questions:
If you need help or have any other questions concerning your orders, please click on the "Contact us" form above or call: 585-265-4320.
249 David Parkway
Ontario, NY 14519 US
Phone: 585-265-4320
I'm having a hard time searching for a product.
That's no problem. We're more than happy to assist you in your search. Give us a call, or drop us a line and let us know what you're looking for as best you can. We're always adding partner brands, and it's difficult to keep up with the thousands of products that get added to our lineup. Our sales specialists know our lineup best, and are most willing to help you find the solution(s) you need!
Why can't I complete my order online?
You most likely have one or more items in your shopping cart that are not priced. If you find that you can't complete an order, contact us via phone or email for further assistance.
What types of payments do you accept?
That's an easy one. We're very flexible when it comes to payment. Not only do we accept most major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express), we also offer you the flexibility of paying by check, money order, wire transfers, and purchase orders. Work with any one of our sales specialists to figure out which method is best for you!
Do you charge sales tax?
Currently, we are authorized to collect sales tax in California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington. If we ship to any of these states, we are obligated to charge sales tax unless you provide us with a tax exempt certificate. You can either fax a copy of the certificate to our New York office (585.265.4374) or email it to ([email protected]).
Do you offer special pricing for government and educational entities?
Absolutely! Contact any one of our sales specialists to work out the details!
I just placed an order. Can I modify/cancel it?
We pride ourselves on providing you with a responsive and efficient buying experience. We are able to address your concerns in an accurate and timely fashion, and can usually ship your order within 24 hours of order placement. If you contact us within that window, we'll do our absolute best to accommodate your needs and concerns prior to shipment.
Do you accept international orders?
Of course! While we require a bank wire prior to shipment of the product on international orders, we assure you that the process is just as smooth for domestic orders. Take a look at our International Shipping Policy and contact us if we can assist.
Will I be charged for shipping?
Shipping charges will be added to your invoice unless you provide us with your UPS, DHL, or FedEx account number. For a more detailed insight into our shipping process, see our shipping information page.
I received a damaged shipment. What can I do?
Accidental damage during shipment can sometimes happen. When you take delivery of your freight, please inspect thoroughly for any visible damage to the outside of the shipping container before signing for it. If there are multiple pieces to the shipment, please account for all them. Should you find that any of the products are damaged or missing after receipt, contact us within three days to address the matter.
I'd like to make a return. How do I do that?
Take a look at our Return Policy, and then contact us to continue with the process. Let us know if you have any questions.
Can you guarantee pricing and availability?
While we attempt to list and provide you the most up-to-date pricing, we reserve the right to make changes. Additionally, we cannot guarantee that we will always have a product in stock, but we do our best to accommodate your needs. If you have questions regarding pricing or availability, please do not hesitate to ask.
Can you explain where you come up with the 'List Price,' please?
Our "List Price" represents the full retail price as suggested by the supplier or manufacturer, the price estimated based on comparable items offered elsewhere in the marketplace, a former price the item was offered for by Spectra Services, or the price estimated in accordance with industry standards. Please note that we do our best to provide accurate list prices, and that it may vary by geographic location.
Close
Request a Quote
Related Products
