The FluidFM OMNIUM requires compatible plates with adequate probe access and correct dimensions. This section covers supported plate formats—from standard tissue culture plates to custom glass slides—and explains how to mount them correctly. Correct plate selection and positioning ensure successful experiments and prevent probe collisions.
Supported Plate Formats
The FluidFM OMNIUM system acceots various standard plate formats commonly used in research laboratories. The following table lists validated plate types and recommended volumes:
Plate | Company | Ref. Number | Volume recommended |
12-well cell culture plate | Nunc (Thermo Scientific) | 150628 | 1 mL |
6-well cell culture plate | Corning Costar | 3516 | 2 mL |
24-well cell culture plate | Corning Costar | 3526 | 500 μL |
Ibidi μ-Dish 35 mm | Ibidi | 81156 | 2 mL |
Wilco dishes | Wilco wells | GWSB-5040 | 4 mL |
Glass slides |
The FluidFM OMNIUM accommodates standard glass slides using specialized holders. Custom slide definitions can be created using the Plate Editor software (Plate Editor).
WARNING: Use only designated holders for each dish type to prevent probe collisions.
Figure 1. Ibidi Dish in the wrong (left) or dedicated (right) holder.
Mounting Plates in the FluidFM OMNIUM
In the ARYA software, access plate configuration through:
- System Initialization: Opens automatically with new projects.
- Exchange Plates: Access via Workflows menu (right panel).
Select the port: click ‘To Right Port’ or ‘To Left Port’.
Then select your plate type from the dropdown menu.
Figure 2. Dropdown menu to select the plate type.
For each plate, multiple parameters can be selected:
- Observation mode: Maintains the probe at the maximum height to prevent sample contact.
- Content Height: Distance between the plate surface and the cantilever.
- Note: When working with objects taller than cells (e.g., beads, scaffolds, organoids), increase Content Height by object height + 500 μm safety margin.
Verification steps: Before starting experiment, verify correct plate placement:
- Ensure text and labels are readable (not upside-down) when viewed from the port door.
- Press gently on all four corners to ensure the plate is fully seated in the holder. Check that the plate is positioned in the correct corner:
- Left port: Plate against left side (no gap)
- Right port: Plate against right side (no gap)
- For dishes with holders (e.g., Ibidi μ-Dishes, glass slides):
- Remove the dish cover before mounting.
- Verify the dish sits flat against the holder base