Flow Controller For Predictive Toxicology

Cutting-edge microfluidic flow controller for predictive toxicology

Predictive toxicology experiments consist of incubating a 3D human-based model with a drug for a specific amount of time and with a specific dosage. This experiment requires fine control of the flow and the medium switches. Designed by scientists for scientists, the versatile and powerful OB1 MK4 pressure controller provides the perfect flow control for preclinical toxicity studies.

With the 3R’s principle (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), spheroids, organoids, or micro-physiological systems are developed to test and evaluate the toxicity of a compound in human-based 3D models. Recently, they were shown to have superior performances compared to animal models[1]. Whether you work with spheroids or more complex organ-on-a-chip systems, for short or week-long processes and experiments, with one or multiple drugs to test, the OB1 MK4 flow controller is the ideal instrument for assessing toxicity in 3D models. Contact our team of experts to find out the best configuration for your setup.

Customizable & upgradable solution for toxicology studies on human-based models

The OB1 MK4 flow controller is configured according to your needs and your experiment. Depending on the number of liquids to inject and the number of samples, we can customize the flow controller to fit your requirements. For instance, your lung-on-a-chip model has two distinct inlets, one for the air and one for liquids, you can independently control each inlet and flow your drug either in the air or in the liquid outlet. If you need to add a third inlet to your system, the instrument can be upgraded at any time according to your needs and experiment developments, in any way you want. 

Control the shear stress applied to the cells

Under flow, cells are submitted to shear stress due to the force that is exerted by the liquid on their surface. This shear stress is a key element to reproducing the physiology but might be dreadful for cells if it is not well controlled. By connecting the OB1 MK4 to a flow rate sensor (MFS) or our premium Coriolis flow sensor (BFS, for both liquid and gas), you can precisely measure the shear stress submitted by the cells. Additionally, our easy-to-use software allows you to control this shear stress over time.

Using our intuitive software, you can create a sequence of instructions to automate your experiments. A more advanced option consists in using the SDK libraries to control the OB1 MK4 using your own code while connecting it to other instruments. 

[1] Ewart, L., Apostolou, A., Briggs, S.A. et al. Performance assessment and economic analysis of a human Liver-Chip for predictive toxicology. Commun Med 2, 154 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-022-00209-1