u-Flux™
Laminar Flow
Microfluidics
An integrated solution to reliably perform single-molecule experiments in a laminar flow environment.
u-Flux™
Laminar Flow
Microfluidics
An integrated solution to reliably perform single-molecule experiments in a laminar flow environment.
Laminar Flow Microfluidics
u-Flux™ is an integrated solution to reliably perform single-molecule experiments in a laminar flow environment. The u-Flux™ microfluidics system consists of a highly stable passive pressure system, automated fluidic regulation and a laminar flow cell.
The pressure system feeds multiple channels into the laminar flow cell where up to five adjacent flows are created.
No physical barriers are separating the highly stable flows, allowing you to freely navigate between DNA, protein and other solutions.
Applications
The ability to perform high-resolution measurements in a laminar flow environment results in an increase of data throughput. It creates new novel experiments where ligands can be introduced by laminar flow, while simultaneously being able to study their effect on the folding/unfolding pathway.
Protein unfolding in laminar flow
Calmodulin is the primary calcium binding protein in living cells. Force-spectroscopic measurements of unfolding/folding of single Calmodulin proteins using optical tweezers reveal information on the underlying energy landscape and Calcium-binding induced structural transition. Here, a high-resolution force-spectroscopy experiment on single Calmodulin proteins is demonstrated in the presence of laminar flow in u-Flux™.
Science
Features
u-Flux™ features a highly stable passive pressure system, automated fluidic regulation and a laminar flow cell. Using widely available fluidic components you are able to quickly detach individual syringes for (re)filling.
Flow Cell
The flow cell provides multiple laminar flow channels with a single exit channel. The monolithic glass design ensures it is leak free, robust and re-usable even after highly chemical experiments. Custom holders and chip designs are a possibility.
Automated Fluidic Valves
The optional automated fluidic valve module contains six individually switch-able valves that can be operated remotely using our software. The method used means there are no shock waves or temperature effects present.
Pressure System
The u-Flux™ microfluidics system utilizes passive pressure-driven flow which can be precisely monitored and controlled with our software. The system’s high stability means zero dead volume and flow disturbance. FEP/Fused silica connection tubing is used to connect the pressure system to the flow cell.
Custom Designs
LUMICKS is available to support you in finding the ideal flow cell layout for your applications. Depending on your requirements we are able to design the ideal height, length & width for both your internal flow channel as the flow cell as a whole. Integration of temperature sensing is also a possibility.
In addition, LUMICKS can design and produce a custom holder based on your input that fits your commercial microscope or custom single-molecule instrument.
