Multi channel pressure & vacuum controller for microfluidics
Microfluidic Flow Controller（OB1 MK4）

Case 1: Lipid Nanoparticle Synthesis

The lipid nanoparticle generation Pack  offered by Elveflow is designed for researchers with no prior knowledge in microfluidics and/or lipid nanoparticle generation who are aiming at easily synthesizing lipid nanoparticles (LNP) using microfluidics techniques.
Thanks to our pressure driven flow control system, a wide range of flow rates (TFR) going from µL/min to 10s of mL/min can be achieved to accomodate for both low (µL) and large (L) volume production. This versatile platform can thus easily be scaled to meet your requirements, both at the screening or production stage.

> Lipid nanoparticle (LNP), solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanoliposomes can be synthesized using this instrument pack.

Why using microfluidics for lipid nanoparticle synthesis?

Historically, the generation of LNPs was carried out using standard bulk processes (precipitation, emulsion, solvent evaporation and sonication). However, these techniques suffer from broad size distribution and poor batch-to-batch reproducibility. This is highly problematic in clinical trials and production stages of drug development. Microfluidics is a highly promising alternative that has attracted a lot of attention for its advantages as a LNP fabrication method. Some of these advantages include:

• Reduced mixing time 
• Increased homogeneity
• High monodispersity: polydispersity index (PDI) lower than 0.2
• Continuous production and high throughput
• Automated nanoparticle production
• Excellent repeatability from one run to another
• Possibility of working with both small (µL) and large (L) volumes using the same system

Nanoparticle size

We have conducted extensive characterisation of LNPs generated using this pack including DLS and cryoTEM measurements.
Using various TFR and FRR conditions, we synthesised LNPs ranging from 60 up to 250 nm diameter.

Content and setup of the Pack

Micromixing chips

Mixing the two aqueous/RNA and ethanol/lipid phases is the key step of NPs generation. In this Pack, based on microfluidics efficiency, this is done using micromixing chips. For instance, one would use a flow focusing micromixer allowing for passive nucleation of nanoparticles.

This Pack and our experts help you choosing the appropriate chip!

Setup & content

This Pack includes all the necessary equipment to start out of the box:

• Flow rate sensors to control the flow rate ratio (FRR) between the two phases
• Micromixers
• All required tubing and fittings
• Reservoirs from 500µL Eppendorfs to bottles with GL45 caps.

Case 2: Fluidic Spatial Transcriptomics

The aim of this pack is to allow you to perform multiplexed fluorescence in situ hybridization at a microfluidic scale to greatly decrease the cost of each experiment by notably reducing the amount of solution consumed. It also allows the system to be automatized and to improve the reproducibility of results .

This easy-to-use microfluidic spatial transcriptomics for MERFISH/seqFISH pack contains several critical functions including a precise and perfectly controlled flow rate for precise small dispensed volume, a fast and easy sequential injection between different solutions and a flexible software for sequence setting and automation with the built-in automation sequencer. The sequence scheduler transforms the setup into an all-in-one automatized platform that can easily flow a large number of different solutions for your spatial transcriptomics, and can further be synchronized with other scientific equipment like a fluorescence microscope. Contact our experts for help with integrating your experiment using TTL triggers or direct software integration via SDK.
Spatial transcriptomics analysis can be expanded even further by using several microfluidic chips in parallel or one microfluidic chip with several channels.

Elveflow instruments are able to provide the best flow rate control on the market thanks to the OB1 mk3+ flow controller that provides totally pulseless and fast response flow control coupled with flow rate sensors (MFS or BFS series) that create a feedback loop with the OB1. Elveflow microfluidic platforms are perfectly suited for long-term experiments with great stability and no risk of potentially harmful pressure spikes. 

A microfluidic chip is used to perform the spatial transcriptomics. Chips are transparent, available in several materials, shapes, with different numbers of inlets/outlets and compatible with different FISH methods. We can provide you different chips with this pack with specific channel height, width, length and material. 

An all-in-one pack from Elveflow guarantees a good compatibility between the different instruments, allows you to start your experiment right away, is piloted by a single software and can be used for other applications. Elveflow also provides continuous and full customer support for you to fulfill your experiment goals.

A typical pack contains:

• OB1 flow controller
• A flow sensor (MFS or a Coriolis flow sensor for the best performance)
• One or two 12:1 MUX distribution valves depending of the number of dyes you want to inject
• Tubings and luers
• Several Eppendorfs or Falcon reservoirs
• Microfluidic chips
• Automation and control software
• A user guide

Why use microfluidics for fluorescence in situ hybridization?

Using microfluidics is the most efficient method to perform MERFISH (Multiplexed Error-Robust Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) or seqFISH (sequential Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) and observe multiple genes and their spatial configuration since it permits experimentation with a drastically lower amount of expensive dye and buffer solutions and is totally compatible with biological applications and microscope observations. As mentioned above, an automatized sequence can be implemented to inject the solutions to the cell. Additionally Elveflow can integrate the microfluidic platform to make it even more compact and easy to use. Furthermore, several different chips can be connected to the system to easily observe different samples in parallel.

This pack can, in addition, be combined with other microfluidic steps before this fluorescent in situ hybridization setup, for single cell isolation for example you can use microfluidic single cell encapsulation [1].
Microfluidics can also be used for the method called MA-FISH that uses oscillatory flows of diluted probe solutions or to perform barcoding (DBiT-seq).

Elveflow has been the microfluidic flow control expert company for more than 10 years and can provide its state-of-the-art expertise in biology and engineering, thus, being the perfect partner for you to transition to microfluidics.

Case 3: Mux Injection Microfluidic Injection Valve

Case 4: Perfusion cell cultur

The ability to perfuse media, such as Organ on chip for culturing living cells, allows precise control of chemical concentration gradients, fluid shear stress, and multiple parameters to better mimic in vivo physiology.

Case 5: Droplet generator

The high performance and accuracy of controller OB1 allows it to generate highly monodisperse droplets.