(PDMI-2) Med Systems Open Perfusion Microincubator

When operated with perfusion, the PDMI-2 microincubator has unique design places flexible tubes carrying inflowing perfusate in contact with a temperature regulated Peltier heat pump driven plate, thus heating or cooling the incoming fluid to a command temperature. This eliminates the need for auxiliary preheating or cooling. The Peltier plate also heats or cools the central chamber containing the cells uniformly when no perfusate is flowing.

Flexible Temperature Range
The operating temperature range of the PDMI-2 Open Perfusion Microincubator is nominally 10-14 °C below ambient to 50 °C when used with the TC-202A Temperature Controller but without supplementary water cooling of its fins.

Temperatures as low as 5°C can be achieved by using an optional water carrying Cu coil which attaches to the perimeter fins of the PDMI-2. Temperatures stabilize quickly throughout the operating range and temperature uniformity across the chamber is excellent.

Optimal and Flexible Perfusion
Different modes of operation are possible:

• Static chamber medium at a constant set temperature
• Continuous perfusion at a constant set temperature
• Switching perfusion of extracellular medium at a set temperature
• Discontinuous perfusion
• Rapid temperature changes (with perfusion)

Two temperature controlled perfusion lines deliver perfusate solutions through the microincubator into the chamber a nominal rate of 3 ml per minute each. Fluid level is maintained by placing an aspirator (model LU-ASP) in the chamber.

Fluid height is easily adjusted via a simple screw mechanism. A cleverly designed suction port eliminates fluid flutter thus making for quiet aspiration. A magnetic base secures the aspirator to the microincubator at a user selectable convenient location.

Excellent pH Control
The PDMI-2 also provides gas flow over the top of the chamber for pH control and improved temperature uniformity. The open design provides excellent mechanical and optical access to the media.

Low Noise Conditions
A PTFE well is provided with an Ag-AgCl electrode at its base to allow for the formation of a salt bridge when making low noise electrophysiological recordings.