The gas exchange module was developed to adapt a special oxygen content and the pH of the medium for per(i)fusion culture. The media are pumped through thin gas permeable silicone tubes, which are coiled in a container. By the length, wall thickness and inner diameter of the tube the exchange rate of oxygen and carbondioxid can be regulated by a simple and non-invasive method.

By the use of thin silicone tubes normal laboratory air produces in the culture medium by diffusion a higher oxygen content as compared to a CO₂-incubator.  See proceedings.  Since in the air only 0.3% CO₂ are present, the buffer system of the medium has to be adapted. The bicarbonate concentration has to be reduced and HEPES or BUFFER ALL (Sigma) have to be added until a stable pH is reached.

CO₂ incubator atmosphere can be mimiked in perfusion culture by the gas exchange module. For example, by a tube air of an incubator is pumped into the gas exchange module. Here the gas of the incubator comes in contact with the perfusion medium by diffusion and adapts the oxygen content and pH.

1 x Nr. 0006 gas exchange module
including air pump, tubes and fittings