Xona Microfluidics sells two types of microfluidic chambers for culturing neurons and neuron co-cultures: newer XonaChips® and our original PDMS-based Silicone Devices. Both formats include two or more main compartments that are connected by microscopic microgrooves. This compartmentalized design provides fluidic isolation and guides neurite growth in the absence of cell bodies (somata). XonaChips® are made in a high quality plastic that is optically transparent, called cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). These chips come preassembled and require fewer assembly steps than our original Silicone Devices. Importantly, both types of microfluidic chambers are well-suited for high resolution imaging (e.g., confocal microscopy).
Advantages of XonaChips®
Xona developed XonaChips® to provide an easy-to-use and fully assembled compartmentalized chamber. XonaChips® are injection molded. Because of this fabrication process, each chip is the same, resulting in more consistent cultures and better reliability over original PDMS molded devices. XonaChips® are provided fully assembled and bonded, so there are no issues with leakage.
The interior of XonaChips® are made permanently hydrophilic, simplifying device wetting. COC is non-toxic and does not have the issues of small molecule adsorption that PDMS has.
High resolution imaging using the XonaChip® produces equivalent results as found in PDMS devices. The Tech Note, Introducing XonaChips, details imaging cells within these chips. All excitation wavelengths tested (405, 488, 568, 647 nm) resulted in comparable results to images acquired in Silicone Devices. Because of the high quality of COC production, there is no autofluorescence of the material.
XonaChips® are available in 2-compartment configurations with varying barrier widths (150, 450, 900 microns) and a 3-compartment configuration (XC-T500). Xona has developed specific protocol for using these chips protocol. XC Pre-CoatTM is included with each XonaChips®order. This pre-coat solution sterilizes the inside of the chip and prevents bubble formation.
To increase testing throughput we developed our newest chip design called the X4 chips. This chip has 4 testing units per chip and reduces the number of neurons required per unit, reducing costs and time. Learn more about the X4 chip design. This is our preferred chip when conducting contract research services in-house to maximize throughput.
Advantages of Silicone (PDMS) Microfluidic Chambers/Devices
Xona continues to make and sell Silicone (PDMS) Devices, and has a loyal customer base that purchases microfluidic chambers made in PDMS. Although a bit more cumbersome to use, there are multiple benefits to using these devices.
First, unlike XonaChips, PDMS devices are removable. Often, scientists like to remove the PDMS device to be able to evenly stain axons and dendrites within the microgrooves. When the device is bonded and assembled like the XonaChip®, it is difficult to get even staining within the deepest reaches of the microgrooves; thus removing the PDMS from the glass substrate provides a straightforward solution.
Second, we offer open compartment configurations in PDMS that are not currently offered in our XonaChip® line of products. These include the Double Open Compartment device (DOC450), the Single Open Compartment device (SOC450), and the Innsbruck device (IND500). These open compartment devices provide advantages, including for organoid or spheriod cultures which may not fit into <100 um tall microfluidic channels.
Lastly, Xona offers round devices in PDMS that can be attached to wells of 6- and 12-well glass bottom plates. To learn more, follow this link.
About Xona Microfluidics, Inc.
Xona Microfluidics, Inc. is a North Carolina corporation located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Xona sells microfluidic devices for neuroscience research and provides contract services for assay development and testing. More information can be found at www.xonamicrofluidics.com.
If you are interested in testing XonaChips® or our Silicone Devices contact us at info@xona.us.