VITROCELL® 96

for 96-well HTS plates


The VITROCELL® 96 Exposure System has been specifically designed and engineered to facilitate the research of human cell cultures in direct exposure to airborne substances such as gases, complex mixtures and particles including nanoparticles. The system authentically simulates the conditions of human physiological exposure. Up to 11 dilutions with 8 replicates are used for for exposure to test substances and the 12th insert row for clean air control with 8 replicates.

Each dilution represents a different dose concentration, so that a complete dose/response profile can be obtained in one experiment.

Climatic Chamber

The system is integrated in the Climatic Chamber which enables a stable temperature of 37° C for all components. The benefits are condensation-free operation and a stable humidity level for exposure. The integrated humidification system features a pre-heating of dilution air. All flow controllers are mounted inside the chamber for constant temperature and increased humidity output.

Corning HTS Transwell 96-well Plate

The cell cultures are exposed at the Air/Liquid Interface on 96 membranes of the HTS plate using low flow rates of the aerosol.

After exposure, the cells are further processed to measure a wide range of endpoints e.g. cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, proliferation, cellular and oxidative stress as well as inflammation (see also VITROCELL® assay guide).

Base module

Exposure of 12 rows @ 8 replicates

The base module with 96 wells is made of electropolished stainless steel. It may be easily removed from the integrated heating base. ­Temperature can be programmed ­individually.

Easy handling

96 wells and one HTS plate with permeable membranes allow for easy handling. The system enables highest throughput and a maximum of data points in one experiment.

Aerosol exposure top

96 inlets with indidual vacuum flow

Special sealing and connection mechanisms guarantee a hermetic connection of the base module with the aerosol exposure top. The aerosol exposure top guides the test atmosphere at an individually controlled flow rate to each cell culture membrane.

Controlled inlet flow

VITROCELL® exposure systems have been specifically designed and engineered to give researchers the possibility of directly exposing mammalian cells or tissue at the air/liquid interface. Thus, all cell types cultivated on microporous membranes can be used. This approach allows for more credible and authentic results than by submerged exposure due to a closer replication of the human physiology.

Integrated Dilution Systems

New support and quick-mounting mechanism of dilution systems and exposure top for easier handling.

Integrated Humidification Station

The Humidification Station inside the chamber allows for a stable delivery of humidified dilution air.


1. Docking Station for Base Module and Exposure Top

The docking station guarantees a hermetic connection of the base module with the aerosol exposure top. The flow rate for each of the 96 inlets is controlled by critical orifices which are connected to a vacuum pump.

2. Quick-lock Dilution Systems

The integrated 12-fold dilution system can be easily separated from the exposure head for cleaning and maitenance.

Performance Qualification

The system was evaluated in a comprehensive performance qualification using combustion cigarette aerols. As a conclusion, the system is fit for purpose.

  • 11 Dilution Steps: 0,5–8 l/min Air
  • Cigarettes: 1R6F
  • Smoking Regime: Health Canada
  • Puff number: 5 Cigarettes à 8 puffs
  • Puff volume: 55 ml
  • Puff duration: 2s
  • Exhaust duration: 8s

Continuous Flow:

  • Assay: Autofluorescence
  • Trapping Liquid: DMSO
  • Trapping Volume: 96-well 60 μL
  • Vitrocell SOP: QMD-70- 39

Features

  • Base module for 96-well HTS plates
  • 12-fold Dilution/Distribution System
  • 12 mass flow controllers for humidified air
  • 11 dilutions @ 8 replicates
  • 1 clean air control @ 8 replicates
  • Electronic heating system for base module and exposure head
  • Exposure head with 96 critical orifices and filter system
  • Climatic Chamber for condensation-free operation if using liquid aerosols
  • Housing with double-doors
  • Heating systems with two RH/T sensors for temperature monitoring
  • Software for read-out of sensor data to controller
  • Integrated humidification system

Videos

VITROCELL 96 Function Principle

VITROCELL 96 Setup and Assembly

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VITROCELL® 96

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