FluidFM® technology
Patented, hollow force sensitive probe technology
Jump to: FluidFM modes | FluidFM probes | Probe characteristics | References
FluidFM technology unites the best features of microfluidics and force microscopy.
Our proprietary FluidFM (Fluidic Force Microscopy) technology uses closed microscopic channels in force sensitive probes. These probes have apertures down to 300 nm and allow to simultaneously sense interaction forces down to pN and to dispense or aspirate femtoliter volumes. This truly unique combination enables novel experimental designs for a wide range of applications in life sciences, biophysics and mechanobiology.
Microfluidic channel
Enables the handling of femtoliter volumes. Soluble molecules can be dispensed or aspirated through a sub-micrometer aperture at the tip of the probe.
Sensitive force-feedback
Provides a reliable distinction between gentle contact with cell membranes and perforation. Surfaces in liquid environments can be modified in a controlled fashion.
Femtoliter
Control fL liquid volumes
Precise pressure control
With 0.1 mBar resolution
Any viscosity
From 1 to 10'000 cP
FluidFM modes – for a variety of applications
Our hollow FluidFM probes exist in a variety of tip shapes, aperture sizes and mechanical specifications, specifically designed to enable three basic modes. With those three modes and the combinations thereof, innovative new applications in neuroscience, virology, mechanobiology or cell line development become possible.
Pick & Place
Grab and relocate single cells and other micro-sized objects.
Picking and placing Jurkat cells into a specific pattern. (Click top right for full screen.)
Injection & Sampling
Inject into and extract from single cells. Volume quantification possible.
Injection into Jurkat cells with FluidFM.
(Click top right for full screen.)
Localized Dispensing
Grab and relocate single cells and other micro-sized objects.
Printing of different patterns, from µm to cm.
(Click top right for full screen.)
FluidFM probes – different types optimized for your needs
FluidFM Micropipette
The FluidFM Micropipette exists with 2, 4 and 8 µm apertures, ideal to reversibly immobilize individual cells and objects of different sizes.
Ideal for:
Pick & Place
Localized Dispensing
FluidFM Nanosyringe
The sharp apex of the FluidFM Nanosyringe enables gentle probe insertion into a cell. Inject into or extract from the cytoplasm or nucleus.
Ideal for:
Injection & Sampling
FluidFM Nanopipette
The FluidFM Nanopipette has with 300 nm the smallest aperture in our standard probes range. It is ideal for localized dispensing of liquids.
Ideal for:
Pick & Place
Localized Dispensing
You didn't find the probe you need? Make your own specific aperture using focused ion beam. Contact us
Convenient & high quality probes
Ready to use
The FluidFM chip, integrating the microfluidics and the hollow cantilever with its specific tip and aperture, comes pre-glued on a convenient adapter tailored to your system. Therefore, FluidFM probes are ready to be filled and used for your experiment.
FluidFM probe zoom in: Every FluidFM probe consists of a polymer adapter, tailored to the specific system, and a FluidFM chip that integrates the microfluidics as well as the hollow cantilever with a specific tip and aperture (last image).
Get started within minutes
Pipette the desired solution into the reservoir of the probe, connect the probe to your system, fill the microchannel by applying a small positive pressure and the system is ready to be used.
High quality microfabrication
Our unique, patented microfabrication method ensures reliable and consistent probe quality down to the nanometer scale. We take pride in our Swiss precision and craftsmanship.
Know how your probe looks like
FluidFM probes are pre-assembled and individually wrapped in a tailor-made hermetically sealed blister package. The QR-code printed on the package gives convenient access to all relevant probe characteristics, most importantly to a unique SEM image of each individual FluidFM probe taken during our quality control process. You can see exactly how your probe opening looks like.
References
FluidFM has been invented more than 10 years ago with the first publication appearing in the journal Nanoletters in 2009. Now, we have more than 100 FluidFM installations spread across the globe and count some of the most prestigious corporations and academic institutions to our loyal and very active customer base. In addition, more than 80 high impact publications have been published over the last few years with FluidFM.
100+ Installations
With more than hundred installed FluidFM systems, scientific labs all around the globe are working with our cutting-edge technology.
Academy & Industry
Renowned academic institutions as well as cutting-edge research labs of the industry work with our FluidFM systems.
80+ Publications
Since its invention in 2009, FluidFM facilitates cutting-edge research results in life sciences, biophysics and mechanobiology.
Explore the 80+ publications
... and many more.