Fig. 4: Microfluidics-integrated worm loading apparatus. | npj Microgravity

Fig. 4: Microfluidics-integrated worm loading apparatus.

From: Microfluidics-integrated spaceflight hardware for measuring muscle strength of Caenorhabditis elegans on the International Space Station

Fig. 4

a Schematic diagram of the worm loading apparatus (b) and (c) shows the schematic top and bottom view of the WLA board and its key component, respectively. d A leak proof imaging cassette for loading the worms into NemaFlex-S Cassette. The highlighted parts are: (1) inlet lines connected to the distribution valve (2) clips holding the inlet and outlet cannulas (3) L-shaped cannulas connected to the inlet of NemaFlex-S chip (4) cannula connected to air-vent purge port (5) outlet cannula opening into the waste collection chamber (6) porous membrane for releasing the air. e Image of the actual worm loading apparatus showing the three major hardware components – Imaging cassette, distribution valve, and the syringe pump. The worm culture bag and 10 mL waste collection syringe are connected to the distribution valve; the worm suspension loop carries either the CeMM from the media syringe or worm solution from the culture bag. The distribution valve has a feeding port (shown in fig. c) underneath the mounting board. Image used in this figure was captured at TTU.

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