Specification for Ussing Chambers System Updated.pdf

Specification for a Ussing chamber system

Background and scope

The Ussing chamber is a physiological instrument used to study ion, nutrient, and drug transport across epithelial tissues. It has basic components including chambers, voltage/current clamp, data acquisition system (hardware and software), and water bath. The Ussing chamber will be used in our laboratory to study nutrient transport across intestinal mucosa. This is a research laboratory with a medium throughput; therefore, we want to purchase a Ussing chamber system that can operate up to 8 tissue samples simultaneously. In addition, it is important that all the Ussing chamber components come from the same manufacturer to ensure their compatibility and the accuracy of the results.

Standards

The standard components of the Ussing chamber are the chambers, voltage/current clamp, data acquisition system (hardware and software), and water bath. However, the Ussing chamber has evolved into more integrated, more efficient, and higher throughput system.

Requirements

The Ussing chamber system must be composed of chambers, voltage/current clamp, single channel electrode input, optiGain, data acquisition system (hardware and software), tissue holder slides, and water bath with the following specifications.

1. Chambers

• Vertical 8-channel systems with a stand

• Use of sliders to mount tissues and cell culture inserts

• Hold volume of 2-7mL of working solutions

• Electrode sets

• Air valve sets

• Electrode tips with filling needles

2. Voltage/current clamp

• Multichannel voltage/current clamp for 8-channel with a master control system

3. Single channel electrode input

• For individual chambers

4. OptiGain

• For switching gain and fluid resistance

5. Data acquisition system

• Hardware package

• Software package

• Interface cables

6. Round aperture sliders for epithelial tissues and cell culture inserts

• Have mounting pins for holding tissues

• Expose tissue areas of 0.3 cm2, 0.71 cm2, and 1cm2

7. Heated water bath

• With push/pull pump for circulating water

• Hold up to 6L of water

8. Delivery and warranty

• Be delivered within 4-8 weeks from ordering date

• Have a warranty of at least 12 months

Testing and Verification

Upon delivery, the different components of the Ussing chamber system will be verified by the laboratory. Because the Ussing chamber system is made of different components, is important to ensure that the system is operating properly when installed for the first time; therefore, the vendor will perform the first installation, test the system, and provide the training required for operating the system and using their software.

Government furnished property

All the units must be delivered by the vendor to Animal Biosciences & Biotechnology Laboratory, in Beltsville, MD. *There is no loading dock, and no unloading equipment will be provided by the laboratory*

Data Requirements

The vendor must provide instruction and safety manuals.