The VITROCELL® 12/6 CF module system has been specifically designed and engineered to facilitate the research of human cell cultures in direct exposure to airborne substances such as gases, complex mixtures, nanoparticles and fibers. The system authentically simulates the conditions of human physiological exposure.

Normally 3 compartments are used for exposure to the substances and 3 compartments for clean air control. The capacity can be easily increased by adding more modules. Each module can receive a different dose concentration, so that a complete dose / response profile is obtained in one experiment.

The cells are exposed at the air / liquid interface on 6 cell culture inserts using low flow rates of the aerosol. After exposure, the cells are further processed to measure a wide range of endpoints, e. g. cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, proliferation, cellular and oxidative stress as well as inflammation.

The VITROCELL® 12/6 CF modules’ casing is made of electropolished stainless steel. It is designed with six compartments for 12-well cell culture inserts and is fully autoclavable at 121° C (250° F) for 20 min. A transparent control window facilitates the external monitoring of media levels. Through the employment of a special adapter set, this module can also be flexibly combined for use with 24-well cell culture inserts. A constant unit temperature is guaranteed using a regulated flow of temperature-controlled water through the module.

The medium can be supplied gravimetrically using a bottle or syringe. This module is renowned in scientific circles for its reliability and durability.

The medium can be supplied gravimetrically using a bottle or syringe. This module is renowned in scientific circles for its reliability and durability.

Special sealing and connection mechanisms guarantee a hermetic connection of the base module with the aerosol exposure top.

The aerosol inlet-stream flows through specifically shaped inlets. They are available in stainless steel or stainless steel with unique VITROGLIDE surface treatment for lowest adhesion results. The stainless steel / VITROGLIDE inlets are specifically designed for aerosols containing nanoparticles.

The aerosol inlets are connected to the distribution or dilution systems. Extraction from the module takes place via small holes using a controlled vacuum flow. VITROCELL® calibration valves, which are connected to a vacuum pump control flow rates effectively. The aerosol exposure top features an in/outlet for heating the water circuit, ensuring corresponding temperatures with the base module. It is made of high-quality anodized aluminum.

The system can be combined with a separate single module for dosimetry. The dosimetry module can accomodate a stainless steel insert for trapping constituents of the aerosol in liquids. Alternatively it can be equipped with a microbalance sensor.A photometer can be added either directly in the aerosol flow of the Exposure Module or at a seperate port of the main aerosol flow.

The QCM sensor can be integrated in the exposure module. It is capable of measuring the deposited mass in nanogram/cm2 per second. Results are reported online by the VITROCELL® Monitor software. Data is presented in graphs and stored in MS Excel®.

Universal module with optional adaptor sets for:

• 12-well sized inserts

• 24-well sized inserts

All commercial brands are supported.

• Suitable for COSTAR®, FALCON® and ThinCert® 12-well sized cell culture inserts

• For higher troughput

• Autoclavability of all components

• Base module made of electropolished stainless steel for extreme durability

• Base module with water heating base plate

• Hyperboloid geometry of inlets for optimized particle deposition and distribution

• Option: Quartz Crystal Microbalance