OFM Technology
Open flow microperfusion (OFM) is a membrane-free, time-resolved, minimally-invasive, in-vivo sampling technology developed by JOANNEUM RESEARCH.
OFM Technology
OFM uses probes with macroscopic openings to exchange substances in a liquid pathway that is based on convection and diffusion so that the exchange can occur non-selectively in either direction.
The direct liquid pathway between the probe’s perfusate and the surrounding interstitial fluid (ISF) provides a diluted but otherwise unchanged ISF sample, since no dialysis or filtering occurs. OFM provides unfiltered, merely diluted interstitial fluid from the investigated target tissues (skin, adipose, brain tissue). Endogenous and exogenous substances present in the interstitial fluid of targeted tissues can thus be quantified without the risk of investigating an altered sample.
Working Principle
Unrestricted sampling of compounds is done via an OFM probe with an open exchange area.
OFM probes are perfused with a physiological solution (perfusate) which equilibrates with the interstitial fluid (ISF) of the surrounding tissue. Operating flow rates range from 0.1 to 10 μL/min.
OFM probe types
To match different scientific questions and tissue depths, OFM probes are available in several designs:
Linear OFM probes are ideal for skin – dOFM – and the upper layers of subcutaneous tissue – aOFM.
Concentric OFM probes are designed for deeper tissue regions such as deep subcutis, muscle, organs, or the brain – cOFM.
Both probe types are available with different lengths of shaft and open exchange area.
OFM pump
A specifically designed 8-channel pump is capable of running up to four standard OFM probes simultaneously.
Despite its advanced functionality, the pump remains compact and easy to handle. It can operate connected to mains power or independently via battery—ideal for flexible use in laboratory and preclinical settings.
Flow profiles can be pre-programmed to support a variety of experimental designs.
OFM Accessories
A range of application-specific accessories is available, including:
- pre-calibrated low-bind tubing systems
- perfusate containers
- sample collection modules
- implantation aids
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