What is the ibidi Pump System Quad?

The ibidi Pump System Quad is the high-throughput configuration of the ibidi Pump System, designed to run up to four independent flow channels in parallel using a single ibidi Pump. It replaces the standard single Fluidic Unit with a Fluidic Unit Quad — four electronically controlled flow-switching devices combined into one system — making it the ideal solution for multi-condition shear stress experiments, dose-response studies, and large-scale vascular biology research.

Each of the four Fluidic Units operates independently, allowing different flow profiles, shear stress levels, or experimental conditions to be applied simultaneously. The included notebook with PumpControl Software provides full computerized control over all four channels, with automated calculation of shear stress, flow rates, and shear rates for every slide type.

Key Features

• Parallel Four-Channel Operation: Run up to four ibidi µ-Slides simultaneously under independent flow conditions with a single ibidi Pump — dramatically increasing throughput for comparative and dose-response studies.
• Fluidic Unit Quad: Four Fluidic Units combined as one compact component (or supplied as four individual units), each with independently controlled pinch valves for precise, sterile flow switching.
• Same Flow Performance as Standard System: Achieves the full shear stress range (~0.01–200 dyn/cm²) and flow rate range (~0.04–50 ml/min) across all four channels, maintaining physiological accuracy at scale.
• PumpControl Software: Automates flow programming for all four channels simultaneously, with built-in shear stress and flow rate calculators.
• Universal Compatibility: Works with all ibidi µ-Slides with Luer adapters, all standard CO₂ incubators, all inverted microscopes, and ibidi Stage Top Incubators.
• Minimal Medium Consumption: Closed-circuit design with selectable reservoir volumes (2.5 ml, 12 ml, or 50 ml) keeps reagent use low even across four parallel experiments.
• Made in Germany: Manufactured to the quality standards ibidi is known for, ensuring reproducible, long-term reliable performance in demanding research environments.

FAQ

What is the ibidi Pump System Quad?

The ibidi Pump System Quad is a microfluidic flow control system designed for parallel perfusion of up to four ibidi µ-Slide channels simultaneously. It uses air pressure to drive precise, pulsation-free flow of cell culture medium or other fluids through ibidi slides for shear stress studies.

What flow rates and shear stress values can the Quad system generate?

The ibidi Pump System Quad generates flow rates and shear stress values spanning several orders of magnitude, suitable for physiological conditions from low venous shear (0.5 dyn/cm²) to high arterial shear (≥70 dyn/cm²) and beyond. Exact values depend on the ibidi slide used and the fluid viscosity.

How many channels can be run simultaneously with the Quad system?

The Pump System Quad can control up to four ibidi µ-Slides in parallel, making it ideal for comparative experiments or multi-condition flow studies within a single session.

Is the system compatible with all ibidi µ-Slides?

Yes. The ibidi Pump System Quad is compatible with all standard ibidi µ-Slide flow chambers, including the µ-Slide I Luer, µ-Slide VI 0.4, and other channel-format slides. The slide selection determines the achievable shear stress range.

Does the ibidi Pump System require special software?

Yes. The ibidi Pump System is controlled via ibidi’s proprietary software (ibidi Flow Control Software), which allows programming of flow profiles, shear stress targets, and experiment timelines. The software connects to the pump via USB.

Is the ibidi Pump System Quad available and supported in Israel?

Yes. The ibidi Pump System Quad is distributed and supported in Israel by NBT Ltd. Our team provides guidance on slide selection, shear stress protocols, and microfluidic cell culture experimental design.