Compared to in vitro cell-based assays, nematodes and other small model organisms offer many advantages in drug discovery and toxicological chemical library phenotypic screening, genetic screening, and human disease modeling. However, due to the fine nature of the research subjects or the inability to perform phenotypic analysis, such studies can be difficult to implement. Using VivoChip can solve these problems for you. The worms will be immobilized under a #1.5 coverslip, making them ideal for imaging with any objective lens or light source. Once imaging is complete, the worms can be recovered and released from the chip; the device can also be reused for future experiments if properly cleaned.

VivoChip is a simple-to-use, elegantly designed microfluidic device with precisely defined channel geometry, allowing lateral alignment and anesthetic-free immobilization of up to 40 C. elegans or other nematodes for high-resolution imaging under any microscope. Depending on user needs, vivoChips are available in various sizes, from microscope slide formats with 2x40 individual devices to multi-well plate formats with 24x40 devices.

Product Advantages

Rapid immobilization of C. elegans

Load and immobilize 40 C. elegans or other nematodes in the same orientation within minutes, reducing the need for anesthetics.

Compatible with any microscope

Compatible with nearly all imaging systems, whether inverted, upright, confocal, 2x or 100x, brightfield or fluorescence microscopes.

Chips available for various worm stages

Chips are available for all stages from L1 larvae to D5 adults, allowing immobilization of nematodes of any size needed for your research.

Easy control with VivoCube+

VivoCube+ provides automatic pressure control for microfluidics, with built-in programs designed for various types of nematode chips. Easy to learn and use.

Designed for fast high-resolution imaging and phenotypic analysis

Research subject too fine? Unable to perform phenotypic analysis? Use vivoChip-2x to solve these problems. The worms will be immobilized under a #1.5 coverslip, making them ideal for imaging with any objective lens or light source. Once imaging is complete, the worms can be recovered and released from the chip; the device can also be reused for future experiments if properly cleaned.

Application Notes

Below are some example images of research applications enabled by vivoChip-2x. If you are curious about how this system can help your research, please contact our experts to discuss your ideas!

Application Areas

Developmental and reproductive toxicity

Germline studies

High-resolution neuronal imaging

Mutant screening

Time-lapse imaging of developmental and cell division events

RNAi and compound screening

Detailed Specifications