AmphaChip

Microfluidic Chips for Impedance-Based Cell Analysis: Where the Insights Are Gained

Microfluidic Chips for Cell Analysis

The AmphaChip is a patented microfluidic chip through which cells suspended in a conductive buffer flow during measurement. Electrodes generate an electric field, and the system measures the cells’ response to this field at various frequencies. Different channel sizes ensure maximum sensitivity according to the size of the cell being analyzed.

Chip Types

The AmphaChip measurement chip portfolio comprises two categories: universal chips and application-specific chips.

Universal chips are defined by their channel size and allows to measure all cell types appropriate for this channel size. Universal chips allow full flexibility regarding settings and data analysis. Amphasys offers universal chips in three channel sizes, tailored to the size of the cells being analyzed.

 

Application-specific chips are designed specifically for measuring a particular cell type or for a specific application and enable automated data analysis, based on a fixed sample preparation procedure and fixed settings. The results are available immediately after measurement without further data analysis.

 

Amphasys guarantees 1,000 measurements per chip.

Universal AmphaChip

Universal chips are available with microfluidic channel sizes of:

  • 10 µm
  • 30 µm
  • 50 µm

To achieve optimal measurement results, users select the ideal channel dimension based on the cell size. 

Benefits of universal chips:

  • Measure all major cell types including yeast, bacteria, human and animal cells and algae
  • Provide full flexibility for research and process development
  • Allow user-defined settings and gating strategies
  • Support custom sampling protocols

The universal chips are compatible with the Ampha X30.

Application-specific AmphaChip

Application-specific chips are designed for routine, standardized measurements  and provide automated data analysis.

Application-specific chips are intended for:

  • Systematic screening
  • High-throughput workflows
  • Process development and monitoring 
  • Routine quality analysis

Application-specific AmphaChips provide:

  • Cell measurements with automated data analysis
  • Immediate results after measurement
  • Minimum training requirements, no gating strategies required
  • Sample preparation wizards
  • Guided workflow on touchscreen

Available application-specific chips: AmphaChip Yeast (for Saccharomyces and Yarrowia)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cell types can I measure?

Any cell type can be measured from 1 µm to <50 µm, including bacteria, yeast, algae, human and animal cells. Amphasys offers microfluidic chips with three different channel sizes of 10 µm, 30 µm, and 50 µm.
For larger cells, spheroids and organoids, please contact us.

How do I select the appropriate channel size?

The appropriate chip with the suitable channel size depends on the size of the cells being examined. The channel diameter should be larger than the cell size, but small enough to ensure high sensitivity.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Can universal chips be used for method development?

Yes. Universal chips offer full flexibility for all types of applications and tasks, including research applications, process development, routine quality control, in-depth cell studies, and user-defined gating strategies.

Is it possible to develop an application-specific chip for an additional cell type?

Yes. Amphasys can develop application-specific chips as part of collaborative projects or on a customized basis to meet specific requirements and workflow goals.

Questions About Chip Selection or Application-specific Chip Development?

Whether you require guidance on selecting the appropriate chip configuration or are interested in developing an application-specific chip within a collaborative project, our team can support you.