New: PatchFlux AI™ for precise cell analysis under controlled flow conditions

PatchFlux AI was developed as part of a collaborative project. It is a microfluidic system specifically designed to precisely study cells under defined flow conditions. Researchers can precisely control shear stress, temperature, pH, and medium changes, thereby realistically simulating physiological or pathological conditions.

Thanks to the integrated high-precision thermostat, the temperature remains stable even during long-term experiments. Shear profiles, exposure duration, and media exchange can all be set via software control and reproduced consistently. This makes PatchFlux AI especially suitable for studies on:

• • Erythrocyte deformability and membrane mechanics

• • Osmotic fragility

• • Cell adhesion under flow

• • RBC shape analysis and aggregation

• • Patch-clamp under controlled flow conditions

• • Pharmacological responses, dose-response relationships, and reversibility

Most recently, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with HITEC ZANG, conducted several experiments to quantify osmotic fragility in red blood cells.

The team investigated how aquaporins (AQP) influence the osmotic fragility of red blood cells. Using PatchFlux AI, they compared two modulators (HgCl₂ and LPS) and contrasted their new flow-based approach with the classical method for measuring osmotic fragility. The results speak for themselves: PatchFlux AI delivers precise, robust measurements and provides additional insights through its proprietary, AI-powered suite for analyzing and monitoring erythrocyte morphology.