Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform
Immune-Competent Microfluidic Multi-Organ Platform
Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform
Building on the features and concept of the Akura™ Flow Chip, the Akura™ Immune Flow enables the addition of suspension cells to the multi-organ system. A patented design of the microfluidic channel prevents sedimentation of the cells and enables a continuous interaction of the cells with multiple spheroids and organoids in the system under flow conditions. The Akura™ Immune Flow adds immune competence to multi-organ systems while ensuring a seamless integration and optimal utilization of standardized 3D models.
Discover Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip
Microfluidic Chip Design
The Akura™ Immune Flow Chip features two units per chip, each with seven compartments in a central interaction chamber. Microfluidic channels connect the chamber to top and bottom reservoirs, enabling bi-directional flow for dynamic interactions between suspension cells and 3D spheroids/organoids.
Modular Standardized Formats
Up to four Akura™ Immune Flow Chips can be organized within a handling frame that adheres to the SLAS/ANSI format. This standard ensures easy integration with existing lab equipment and automation tools, streamlining the platform’s use in high-throughput settings.
Continuous Gravity-Driven Perfusion
The Akura Flow Programmable All-In-One Tilter supports simultaneous culture of up to four frames. Its unique meandric channel design and vertical tilting prevent cell sedimentation by resuspending settled cells through 170° tilting, allowing them to naturally resettle as the medium flows.
User-Friendly Operation
The ULA coating on the chip’s compartments and microchannels preserves spheroid/organoid integrity and minimizes cell adhesion during long-term culture. Wide top-access ports enable easy loading and retrieval, while the flat, transparent COC bottom ensures clear imaging. Large reservoirs allow efficient medium exchange and sampling.
Rely on an innovative perfusion concept for suspension cells
- Patent-pending, meandric channel combined with vertical orientation prevents cell sedimentation and keeps cells in suspension
- Cell interaction chamber with a large channel reduces flow speed and enhances long-term interactions
- Gravity-based flow with defined medium volume enables multi-passage of cells and secretome analysis and effects
Experience an intuitive and robust handling
- Standard chip format and parallelization by assembly in ANSI/SLAS handling frame for quick implementation with widely used lab tools
- Conical well design with SureXchange™ ledge for easy loading and access of spheroids
- Pump and tube-free perfusion for flexible scale up and access to medium and cells
Access a wide range of readout methods:
- Anytime access to supernatants using manual or automated pipetting
- Retrieval of spheroids for lytic assays, histology or RNA sequencing
- In-situ high-content imaging with minimal optical aberration with a flat and transparent COP bottom
Applications of Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform
- Investigate the interaction of cells in flow with multiple static spheroids
- Immune cell adhesion and invasion
- Interaction of circulation tumor cells with different organs to investigate their metastatic potential.
Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Starter Kit
Bring the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip System into your lab by acquiring our starter kit offering. It’s everything you need to immediately begin investigating complex biological questions in your research:
Akura™ Flow Programmable All-In-One Tilter
Controls gravity-based flow in incubator with intuitive built-in user interface
Akura™ Immune Flow Kit (2/pack)
2x frames, each with 4 chips and supplements to run an experiment with up to 16 experimental conditions
Akura™ Immune Flow Refill (2/pack)
8 chips and supplements to run an experiment with up to 16 conditions.
Akura™ Tilting Stand
Simple handling tool providing gravity-based flow while performing medium exchange under the hood.
20x Pack of Akura™ 96 Microplate
For 3D spheroid aggregation before transferring into Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip or for collection after experiments and downstream analysis.
1h Akura™ e-Introduction
Learn about concept, design and characteristics of the Akura™ Immune Flow OoC Platform.
Akura™ Organ-on-Chip Training & Support
Personal support and consulting to set up the first experiments with InSphero’s scientific experts.
Akura™ Organ-on-Chip Technology Access Package
Allows for discounted Refills & Voucher (2000 CHF) for InSphero products (valid 6 months)
Frequently Asked Questions
A detailed experimental protocol for the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform is provided in the product manual. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you get started.
What types of 3D models can be cultured using the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform?
The Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform is designed to support various scaffold-free 3D cell culture models, including organoids, spheroids, and microtissues. The ULA coating on the chip’s compartments and microchannels helps preserve model integrity and minimizes cell adhesion during long-term culture. For optimal results, we recommend that your 3D model meet the following criteria:
- 3D models that can be generated as scaffold-free spheroids or organoids using Akura™ 96 or 384 Microplates.
- 3D models with a compact morphology, having a diameter between 200 µm and 600 µm, which allows for successful pipette transfer and maintains structural integrity throughout the experiment (taking proliferation and growth into account).
- Ideally, pre-established quality control criteria for 3D models should be followed to assess functionality before loading into the Akura™ Immune Flow Platform.
What kind of suspension cells can I add to the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform?
We have successfully worked with various suspension cells, including metastatic cancer cells, stimulated and unstimulated PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells), and engineered T-cells. In principle, any cell type capable of surviving as a single cell in suspension is suitable for use in the platform. We recommend testing different cell concentrations for optimal assay conditions.
Is the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform compatible with standardized lab equipment?
Yes, the Akura™ Immune Flow format is compliant with standard microtiter-plate definitions as specified by the SLAS Microplate Standards Advisory Committee, ANSI SLAS 1-2004 (R2012).
Four chips are placed in the aluminum handling frame. The compartments have a distance of 4.5 mm and are located in the positions of a standard 384-well plate. A fully assembled plate comprises 8 units with 7 compartments each. The compartments are designed to accommodate spheroids of up to 600 μm in diameter. The Akura™ Immune Flow Plate technical specifications are provided as a reference for automation system programming and imaging in the technical specification.
How is the flow generated in the system?
The flow in the Akura™ Immune Flow Chips is generated through a gravity-driven perfusion system.
When a handling frame loaded with four chips is placed on the Akura™ Programmable All-in-One Tilter inside a standard laboratory incubator, the frame is tilted back and forth. This motion induces flow by gravity. The chips are rotated around their short axis at tilting angles of up to 85°. A near-vertical tilt is required to keep suspension cells in motion, preventing sedimentation and blockages in the channels. No tubing and pumping are needed.
Is the Akura™ Programmable All-in-One Tilter required for use?
Yes, we highly recommend using the Akura™ Programmable All-in-One Tilter to control gravity-based flow in your Organ-on-Chip cultures.
It is specifically designed for automated flow control in InSphero’s Akura™ Flow microfluidic culturing platforms and can be placed inside a standard laboratory incubator. The tilter provides programmable reciprocal motion, allowing for adjustable tilting angles (0° to ± 85°) and customizable pause sequences, all controlled by a microprocessor.
These motion settings generate gravity-based flow in the microfluidic channels, with adjustable intervals (From1 second to custom durations) and pause times at defined angles. Flow conditions such as shear stress, velocity, and flow rate can be precisely controlled through the integrated fluidic system. Parameters can be adjusted depending on the experimental setup and specific needs of the model. Conventional cell-culture rockers in general do not offer a pause option in the tilted orientation impeding flow control.
How long can 3D cell cultures be maintained in the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform?
The platform is designed for culture durations ranging from several hours to a few weeks, depending on the specific cell model and experimental conditions. Protocols have been established for regular media exchanges without removing suspension cells.
For each new application, we recommend monitoring cell viability and functionality over time to determine the optimal maintenance period within the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform.
Can I aggregate my 3D model within the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform?
No, the Akura™ Immune Flow Chip is designed for pre-formed spheroids/organoids. We recommend aggregating your 3D model in Akura™ 96 or 384 Microplates, where you can follow your established protocol.
After quality control, the spheroids/organoids can be transferred into the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform. This method also supports multi-organ models that require different production times and specific media. Once formed, transfer can be done manually, semi-automated, or fully automated, with protocols for Opentrons OT-2 liquid handlers (available upon request).
How do I load my spheroid/organoid model into the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform?
Loading the 3D spheroid/organoid model into the platform is simple. Once your spheroids or organoids meet the recommended size criteria (200-600 µm) and pass your quality control, they can be transferred using a pipette directly into the dedicated compartments via contact transfer. The Akura™ Immune Flow Chip is open from the top, which facilitates easy loading into the compartments.
We recommend using a pipette with low shear force to avoid damaging delicate tissue structures. The pipette tip should be broad enough to ensure the spheroid is not destroyed or damaged during transfer. For optimal results, trimming the tip of a 10-20 µl pipette is advised. Transfer can be performed manually, semi-automated, or fully automated, with protocols for Opentrons OT-2 liquid handlers available upon request.
Can I perform immune cell assays on the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform?
Yes, the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform is ideal for immune-related assays.
The dynamic fluid flow within the platform facilitates immune cell interactions with the 3D model, making it perfect for studying immune responses such as immune cell infiltration, cytokine release, and immune modulation in various disease models.
Can I perform live-cell imaging in the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform?
Yes, the platform is compatible with live-cell imaging systems.
The transparent bottom membrane has excellent optical properties and is compatible with various microscope systems, including confocal and fluorescence microscopes. Be sure to use appropriate imaging media (e.g. without phenol red) and settings to maintain cell integrity during imaging.
Can I use the Akura™ Immune Flow Organ-on-Chip Platform with other analytical techniques, such as RNA sequencing or mass spectrometry?
Absolutely. The platform is flexible and can be used with a variety of analytical techniques, including RNA sequencing, proteomics, and mass spectrometry. The organ-on-chip models can be harvested after culture for downstream analysis, enabling a comprehensive understanding of gene expression, protein secretion, and metabolic activity.
