The OMEGA series of microfluidic devices from eNUVIO are perfectly suited for experiments involving neuronal co-culture and compartmentalization. Each of the chambers of the device are physically separated by a series of microfluidic channels. The small size of the microchannels serve to fluidically isolate each of the adjoined chambers, but are large enough to allow neurites/axons to project into and interact with cultures located in the adjacent chamber. Every OMEGA4-2mini-2mm device contains two pairs of adjoined chambers. The first chamber of the OMEGA4-2mini-2mm is identical to the chambers of our OMEGA4 device, while the second chamber is about one third of the size. As for the OMEGA4, two independent experiments can be performed with one OMEGA4-2mini-2mm device.
The unique open-chamber design of the OMEGA gives scientists direct access to their co-cultures, enabling researchers to explore new types of experimental paradigms not possible with standard closed-chamber devices. For example, the chambers are large enough to house tissues that are several millimeters in diameter, easily accommodating tissue explants or self-assembled 3D cultures (e.g. spheroids, organoids). Additionally, conventional patch-clamp electrodes can openly access the cultures, allowing researchers to examine the electrophysiological properties of the culture.
OMEGA devices are shipped out ready to use. They are sterile, hydrophilic and are pre-bonded to high-transmissive #1.5 glass coverslips. Simply coat the growth chambers and plate your cells – it’s that easy. Maintaining healthy cultures over a long period of time is even easier with OMEGA devices, owing to the evaporation-minimizing inserts included in every kit. Not only do these simple reusable culture inserts contain a built-in circular well that reduces the evaporation rate from the device’s chambers when filled with fluid, they also serve to physically stabilize the device for secure transportation of the device within the culture room.
OMEGA4-2mini-2mm devices are suited for in vitro co-culture studies involving:
- Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in the context of ALS, Kennedy’s disease (SBMA), Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy
- e.g. motor neuron/muscle co-culture
- Nigrostriatal pathway in the context of Parkinson’s disease
- e.g. dopaminergic neuron (SNc)/GABAergic neuron (striatal) co-culture
- Sensory system in the context of nociception and mechanosensation
- e.g. skin fibroblast/DRG co-culture
- Myelination
- e.g. neuron/oligodendrocyte or Schwann cell co-culture
- Enteric nervous system
- e.g. enteroendocrine cells/vagal neuron co-culture
Culture compatibility:
- iPSC-derived cultures
- Self-assembled 3D cultures (e.g. spheroids, organoids)
- Primary cultures
- Tissue explants
- Immortalized Cell lines
OMEGA4-2mini-2mm specifications:
- Glass coverslip: 22 mm, round, #1.5 thickness
- Chamber #1 surface area: ~0.35 cm2
- Chamber #2 surface area: ~0.11 cm2
- Number of microchannels per interface: 70
- Microchannel length: ~640 µm
The OMEGA4-2mini-2mm Starter Kit includes:
- 4 x OMEGA4-2mini-2mm devices (each containing 2 interfaces)
- 4 x reusable evaporation minimizing culture inserts (for 35 mm dishes)
- 4 x sterile culture dishes (35 mm, round)
- 1 x microscopy adapter for OMEGA series devices
The OMEGA4-2mini-2mm Refill Kit includes:
- 4 x OMEGA4-2mini-2mm devices (each containing 2 interfaces)
- 4 x sterile culture dishes (35 mm, round)
The OMEGA4-2mini-2mm Refill Kit Plus includes:
- 4 x OMEGA4-2mini-2mm devices (each containing 2 interfaces)
- 4 x reusable evaporation minimizing culture inserts (for 35 mm dishes)
- 4 x sterile culture dishes (35 mm, round)
The OMEGA4-2mini-2mm Devices Only Kit includes:
- 4 x OMEGA4-2mini-2mm devices (each containing 2 interfaces)*
*In order to use these devices with our reusable evaporation minimizing culture inserts, please make sure to use culture vessels with an internal diameter of at least 35.0 mm (e.g., Falcon 353001 or Eppendorf 0030700015).
Learn more about the TOP ADVANTAGES, APPLICATIONS and other FORMATS of the OMEGA series.
