Perfusion Chambers

Perfusion is used to deliver continuous fluid exchange, replenish nutrients, introduce reagents, or change chemical environments while observing samples under a microscope. In atomic force microscopy, perfusion cells allow researchers to study living biological specimens, monitor surface chemical reactions, analyze soft materials, and observe time-resolved physical changes in controlled aqueous media without disrupting the ongoing imaging process.

Flow-through liquid cells feature specialized fluid pathways that permit continuous introduction and drainage of liquids while the atomic force microscope is scanning. This architecture supports buffer exchange and reagent introduction directly during measurement. Researchers can perform dynamic in-situ studies, monitor electrochemistry and surface reactions, and evaluate how specimens react to changing environmental conditions without removing the sample from the stage.

AFM liquid cells accommodate diverse sample types, including biological samples such as living cells, proteins, DNA, and lipid bilayers. Additionally, specialized configurations hold fiber-shaped samples, ophthalmic materials like contact lenses, and small substrates. Standard and custom cells also support materials science samples, thin films, and polymers requiring controlled hydration or exposure to aqueous and other liquid media during nanoscale characterization.

Liquid cells are engineered from inert and application-specific materials depending on research requirements. For example, select models utilize chemically inert PTFE construction to withstand aqueous and chemically aggressive media during corrosion or electrochemistry studies. Other configurations feature polydimethylsiloxane, known as PDMS, or precision-machined bodies sized in 9 mm, 18 mm, or 1-inch formats to ensure chemical compatibility and mechanical stability during fluid imaging.

The disposable PDMS bio-AFM liquid cell features a single-use format designed specifically for biological sample handling in aqueous environments. Because the cell is discarded after use rather than cleaned and reused, it effectively eliminates cross-contamination between consecutive biological samples. This disposable approach also simplifies laboratory cleanup and sample preparation workflows when performing sensitive bio-imaging experiments in fluid media.

Yes, custom AFM liquid cells can be configured to meet unique sample geometries and experimental setups requiring controlled liquid environments. Whether working with specialized substrates, curved ophthalmic materials, delicate fibers, or specific fluid exchange requirements, custom cells provide appropriate sample containment and fluid delivery. Technical documentation and support services are available to assist researchers in configuring cells for their specific imaging needs.