PlateFlo

PlateFlo enables milliliter-scale perfusion culture of adherent cells by providing programmable control over media composition and flow paths using a standard one-well culture plate with an 84 cm² culture area.

Key Features:

• One-well culture plate (84 cm²): Supports milliliter-scale perfusion of adherent cells on a standard one-well culture plate with an 84 cm² culture area.
• Programmable control (FETbox + PlateFlo Python): Uses the FETbox hardware controller interfaced via USB serial communication through the PlateFlo Python package to control media composition and flow paths.
• Device management: FETbox can manage up to five high-current 12 V devices simultaneously, including pinch valves, solenoids, and DC motor peristaltic pumps.
• Customization and expansion: Accommodates additional electronic components such as analog sensors and inputs, is built on the Arduino Nano platform, and supports scalability by operating multiple FETboxes in parallel via an enhanced serial communication protocol.

Scientific Applications:

• Genome-scale genetic screens: Enables experiments requiring large cell numbers by maintaining continuous perfusion of adherent cells in a milliliter-scale format.
• Proteomics studies: Provides sustained culture conditions suitable for collecting large cell populations for proteomic analysis.
• Dynamic media condition experiments: Facilitates implementation of novel perfusion schemes to explore changing media compositions over time.
• Sequential cell culture processes: Supports workflows that require sequential or staged perfusion and treatment of adherent cell cultures.

Methodology:

FETbox interfaces via USB serial communication through the PlateFlo Python package using an enhanced serial communication protocol; firmware is based on the Arduino Nano and multiple FETboxes can operate in parallel.