Fluigent MFCS-EX High-Precision 8-Channel Microfluidic Pressure Controller

Overview

The Fluigent MFCS-EX is an 8-channel high-precision microfluidic pressure controller engineered for demanding applications requiring real-time, pulse-free fluid actuation with exceptional temporal resolution and long-term stability. Unlike syringe-based pumps—whose mechanical inertia and stepwise displacement inherently generate flow pulsations—the MFCS-EX operates on a closed-loop pneumatic principle: it regulates fluid pressure upstream of the microdevice using digitally controlled solenoid valves and high-fidelity pressure transducers. This architecture enables true continuous flow control across a wide dynamic range—from ultra-low pressures (25 mbar) to high-pressure regimes (7000 mbar), both in positive and negative (vacuum) modes. Its sub-40 ms system response time and <100 ms settling time make it suitable for time-critical protocols such as rapid cell stimulation, synchronized droplet generation, or dynamic shear stress modulation in organ-on-chip platforms. Designed and manufactured in France, the MFCS-EX complies with CE marking requirements and adheres to IEC 61326-1 for electromagnetic compatibility in laboratory environments.

Key Features

• Eight independently controllable pressure channels, scalable from 1 to 8 units per chassis
• Pressure resolution of 0.03% of full scale, enabling sub-millibar precision in low-range configurations (e.g., ±0.0075 mbar at 25 mbar FS)
• Long-term pressure stability better than 0.1% of full scale over 24 hours, verified under constant load and ambient temperature variation (±2 °C)
• Integrated digital pressure feedback loop with auto-zeroing and drift compensation algorithms
• Modular hardware architecture supporting hot-swappable channel modules and field-upgradable firmware
• Gas-compatible design certified for use with inert, non-corrosive, non-explosive gases including nitrogen (N₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and dry air
• Compact footprint (260 × 200 × 80 mm) and low power consumption (15 W), optimized for benchtop integration in biosafety cabinets and microscopy rigs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MFCS-EX is compatible with standard microfluidic tubing (6 mm OD barbed fittings), PDMS, glass, and thermoplastic chips (e.g., COP, PMMA, PS). It does not contact fluids directly—pressure is transmitted via gas phase—ensuring zero cross-contamination and eliminating wetted material constraints. The system meets ISO 13485-aligned quality management practices for instrumentation used in regulated life science research. While not a medical device itself, its operational parameters and audit-ready software interfaces support alignment with GLP and GMP documentation workflows. When paired with Flow Unit sensors, the combined system satisfies traceability requirements referenced in ISO/IEC 17025 for calibrated flow measurement in method validation studies.

Software & Data Management

Fluigent provides three interoperable software layers: AIO (All-in-One Software) for real-time monitoring and manual parameter adjustment; MAT (Microfluidic Automation Tool) for building repeatable, event-triggered protocols (e.g., pressure ramp → valve switch → flow hold); and a comprehensive SDK supporting native integration with MATLAB, Python (via PySerial and NumPy), C/C++, and LabVIEW. All software modules log timestamped pressure values with microsecond-level synchronization, export data in CSV/HDF5 formats, and support metadata tagging (user ID, experiment ID, chip ID). Audit trails—including parameter changes, session start/stop events, and firmware updates—are retained locally and comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when deployed with validated IT infrastructure.

Applications

• Cell mechanobiology: Precise application of hydrostatic or shear stress to endothelial monolayers or 3D tissue constructs
• Droplet microfluidics: Monodisperse emulsion generation with coefficient of variation (CV) < 2% across kHz-rate segmentation
• Organ-on-chip perfusion: Physiologically relevant flow profiles mimicking arterial pulsatility or capillary resistance gradients
• Micro-ELISA and affinity binding assays: Controlled reagent delivery with nanoliter accuracy and minimal carryover
• Fiber optic sensor calibration: Stable backpressure application during refractive index or strain sensitivity testing
• Lab-on-a-chip process development: Rapid iteration of pressure-driven mixing, sorting, and lysis protocols without hardware modification

FAQ

Can the MFCS-EX be used with aqueous or organic solvents?
Yes—provided the fluid path remains external to the controller. Since only gas interfaces with the MFCS-EX, compatibility depends solely on the chemical resistance of downstream tubing, connectors, and microdevices.
Is remote triggering supported?
Yes. TTL, analog voltage (0–10 V), and USB CDC serial commands enable hardware synchronization with cameras, DAQ systems, or laser sources.
How is pressure calibration maintained over time?
Each channel includes factory-calibrated piezoresistive transducers with NIST-traceable certificates. Users may perform user-initiated zero-offset correction at any time via software.
Does the system support vacuum and positive pressure simultaneously?
Yes—dual-mode operation allows independent configuration of positive and negative pressure ranges per channel, enabling bidirectional flow control in closed-loop microsystems.
What level of technical support is provided for OEM integration?
Fluigent offers dedicated engineering consultation, mechanical mounting drawings, electrical interface schematics, and custom firmware adaptation services under NDA for industrial partners.