Brain Slice Chamber for submerged and interface slices
Description
The BSC1 chamber design is similar to the original “Oslo chamber” (Langmoen & Andersen 1981) with later modifications (Dhanjal & Sears 1980, Alger et al,1984 to allow both interface and submerged methods of slice maintenance.The chamber is constructed from clear acrylic having a diameter of 100mm, height is 85mm and the base plate is 130mm in diameter. The slices rest on a nylon net fixed on to a removable insert, located in the centre of the chamber. Pre-oxygenated medium enters the main body of the chamber through a fine bore tube which spirals in the heated distilled water in the lower part of the chamber and enters the upper part of the chamber via a bubble trap. Depending on whether submerged or interface type preparations are required, the height of the perfusion fluid is adjusted at the exit well by means of a needle on a screw mechanism. In the case of interface preparations, the high oxygen tension is maintained by bubbling a 95% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide gas mixture through a ceramic bubbler located in the lower heated part of the chamber. This moistened and warmed gas mixture enters the upper part of the chamber via “port holes” and is then deflected by a profiled lid across and downwards towards the centrally located slice preparation. The temperature in the upper chamber is maintained by ensuring that the medium and moistened gas mixture enter at the required temperature. This is dependent on the temperature of the lower chamber body which is warmed by a heating element controlled by the Proportional Temperature Controller, PTC05. An optional monitor sensor allows the upper chamber temperature to be checked when required.
We now include Magnetic Feet and a Needle Valve regulator for the carbogen with all new orders of BSC1.
Features
- Submerged” and “Interface” methods of slice maintenance with same chamber
This chamber allows adaptation to either method of slice maintenance simply by altering the fluid level by means of a screw adjustment device on the chamber.
- Slices supported on removable insert adaptable to your requirements
A standard insert having a nylon net is supplied with the chamber for submerged and interface methods. This insert can be modified or custom made to accommodate other preparations eg. adult spinal cord Dhanjal & Sears 1980, Alger et al, 1984, Crepel et al 1981.
- Proportional Temperature Controller (PTC05) with low noise performance
The temperature is controlled by a proportional control heating unit, the PTC05 which provides smooth DC controlled power to the heater element incorporated into the chamber.
Schematic
Parts description
BUBBLE TRAP – Most small bubbles that may gas out of solution are captured here. Vent may be kept open or in closed loop with a syringe depending on flow rates
HEAT EXCHANGER FOR PERFUSION FLUID SUBMERGED/INTERFACE – Fine bore PTFE tube carries aCSF that is indirectly heated by the temperature controlled dH2O within the base trough.
CONTROL TEMPERATURE SENSOR – Connected to temperature controller PTC05
HEATING ELEMENT – Cartridge heater 35Watts encased in stainless steel tube
OXYGEN/CARBON DIOXIDE GAS BUBBLER – Provides humidified O2/CO2 fed from pre-moistened gas mixture. Bubbles also provide stirring of dH2O in the base to maintain stable feedback temperature control
EXIT FOR PERFUSION FLUID VIA SUCTION LINE – An 18G hypodermic needle fitted into a screw mechanism that allows for the adjustment of fluid level around the slice preparation, to adjust for submerged or interface mode.