FAQ
We solve the most frequent doubts related to our products.
Are the products sterile when the customer receive them?
Yes, all of the chips undergo a sterilization post-treatment and are stored in individual packages. Beonchip guarantees the sterilization and hydrophilicity of the chips up to 6 months after shipment.
Are the chips autofluorescense?
No, our chips are made of COP, a plastic material that doesn´t present autofluorescence. All our products can be used for fluorescence experiments.
What type of connectors are needed in order to use BEOnChip´s products?
We offer in our shop two connector kits compatible with any type of microfluidic flow control system (syringe pumps, peristaltic pumps, pressure-based flow control systems…). The choice of the connector kit depends on the type of microfluidic flow control at your disposal:
- Connector kit 1 for peristaltic and syringe pumps: 10 connectors + 2 m of Tygon tube 3/32″ OD 1/32D.
- Connector kit 2 for pressure-based microfluidic flow control system: 10 connectors, 10 ferrules for microfluidic control system y 1,5 m FEP Tubing 1/16″ OD x 1/32″ID.
If the shear stress is going to be applied using a rocker, there is no need for connectors, but it is necessary to use the chip lids during the experiment to avoid contamination (check video How to use a rocker for mechanical stimulation of the cell culture).
Does COP is present non-specific adsorption?
COP is an inert material that is naturally lipophobic and does not suffer from non-specific adsorption as other silicone materials like PDMS. Therefore, its an ideal candidate for drug efficacy or toxicity platforms and does not interact with the culture medium.
Can isopropanol or acetone be used on Beonchip´s products?
Yes, COP is highly resistant to chemicals such as alcohols, acids or aliphatic compounds.
How does the oxygen reach the cells if COP is impermeable?
Oxygen can be supplied to the cells via the culture medium. In fact, impermeability is one of the greatest advantages of our products for Organ-on-Chip applications since it allows the precise control of the oxygen levels in the cell culture and even reproduces the hypoxia conditions that must tissues undergo in the human body.
Is it possible to recover the cells after using a chip?
Cell recovery from the devices for downstream applications is possible. After removing medium and washing with PBS, perfuse your choice cell detachment solution and incubate the time needed. Neutralize your solution by adding an inactivator to the reservoirs. You may tilt the device manually so that it is well-mixed. Also, you may resuspend actively the liquid with the tip in the inlet/outlet well hole to help cell detachment. Check under the microscope. Finally, collect your cells aspirating all the liquid inside the device. We also illustrate the process of extracting the cells step by step in the section technology.
Is it possible to modify some of the characteristics of Beonchip´s standard products?
We offer the possibility of customizing our products. Features such as the pore size of the membrane in the Be-Transflow of Be-Doubleflow, or the channel size and shape can be modified. Check the complete list of customizable features in the Product tab for further information. In addition, Beonchip also manufactures completely new products for customers. If you have an idea for a microfluidic device or labfare for biomedical or pharmaceutical applications, contact us to get a quotation for the prototype and production of your design. We can assist you in walking the path from an idea to mass production.
Can we use our own membranes on Beonchip's products?
Yes. It is a common service that we do to use customer membranes inside our chips. Depending on the ease of use of the membranes and how long it takes to integrate it in our fabrication process the price of the first batch will vary. Afterwards, it is priced as a custom product.
Is it possible to connect several chips in series?
Yes, using our connectors it is possible to connect several chips in series. This is often done to study the crosstalk between different tissues.
Do you need to use HEPES-buffered media in your chips?
It is not necessary if you are storing the chips in the incubator without perfusion but highly recommended for experiments in which the cells undergo continuous perfusion.
Ask for info
If you want to know more information about our products or want to request any of these, please contact us.
Contact ›