(BSC-ZT) Zbicz Top

The Zbicz Top is a submersion-type chamber in which tissue slices are supported on a stiff nylon mesh. Slices are perfused both from below and above.

• Slices remain viable for 10 hours or more
• Slices are mechanically stable
• Low volume chamber cavity
• Slices are wetted on both top and bottom and do not dry out
• Semipermanent mesh slice support is easily cleaned
• Low electrode capacitance assists single microelectrode voltage and patch clamping
• Minimal bubble formation
• Precise solution temperature regulation
• Slice can be trans-illuminated

Slices remain viable for 10 hours or more

The Zbicz Top (BSC-ZT) is a submersion-type chamber in which tissue slices are supported on a nylon mesh. The perfusate flows transversely across both cut surfaces. The steady flow of warmed media across the slightly submerged slice surfaces is sufficient to keep many tissues alive and responsive for 10 or more hours.

The fluid level is set to 1 mm above the mesh by a dam at the end of the chamber. The chamber is 6 mm wide and the trough is 24 mm long; this provides adequate room for slices and instrumentation, yet minimizes the well volume to optimize drug change over times. Fluid overflowing the dam is drained via a vacuum line to waste.

Slices are mechanically stable

Slices are placed on a special ribbed nylon mesh and may be held in place by 3 to 4 stimulating electrodes or a plastic insert. This stability is attributed to the stiff nylon mesh which does not rise or sag with changes in fluid flow, therefore moderate changes in the transverse laminar flow can be well tolerated during intracellular and extracellular recordings. These features allow for switching of solutions with minimal risk of tissue movement and loss of neurons while recording.

Low volume chamber

The low volume of the chamber cavity and the relatively fast flow rate allows rapid exchange of solution (1 to 2 minutes) which facilitates drug application studies.

Slices remain moist

Slices remain moist and viable, because they are wetted on both sides and do not dry out due to surrounding air currents.

Semipermanent mesh

The mesh surface holding the slice is semipermanent and can be cleaned easily. The BSC-ZT comes with extra mesh which can be installed easily when necessary.

Low electrode capacitance

Because the fluid depth is shallow (400 to 600 microns), the electrode capacitance remains low; an important consideration in single microelectrode voltage and patch clamping.

Minimal bubble formation

Bubbles, which can form in the heating unit, escape by the path formed at the entrance of the trough. Movement of the slice will not result if bubbles inadvertently form under the mesh. The flow of solution over the slice top will maintain tissue viability.