Difference between revisions of "Oroboros FAQ"

The O2k is a robust instrument, ready to be used for standard applications, providing high reliability, stability of the oxygen sensor over several months, and full software support. See: DatLab

The O2k can be routinely applied for cultured cells, living cells and tissue biopsies, permeabilized cells and tissue biopsies, microbial cultures, oxygen-consuming enzymes, antioxidant systems, and, of course, isolated mitochondria. See: Respirometry and O2k-Publications.

Compared to other instruments, the O2k requires five to ten times lower cell numbers for routine measurements of cell respiration, making it highly cost-, personnel- and time-efficient.

When permeabilized biopsy preparations are utilized, the O2k provides the unique potential to reduce sample size to as little as 1 mg fresh weight per experimental run, supporting application of complex titration protocols.

No. The O2k is a 'chamber' approach, for application with tissue biopsies, cultured cells or isolated mitochondria. Whereas HRR cannot be applied for measurement of tissue O₂ concentration, it is the method of choice for analysis of tissue O₂ consumption and functional diagnosis of mitochondrial injuries.

Attached cells may be grown on disks before being introduced into the cylindrical chamber of the O2k. Alternatively, cells attached to beads can be used. With this method, however, gentle stirring, with the use of specific small stirring bars, is advisable to avoid crashing of the beads. Routinely, we apply the O2k on adherent cells after transfering them into suspension. For small cells, such as fibroblasts, at least 200,000 cells per chamber are required.

The O2k is designed to measure respiration plus one additional parameter at a time. Typical applications of O2k-MultiSensor respirometry are the combined measurement of respiration and H₂O₂ production using the O2k-FluoRespirometer or O2k-Fluo LED2-Module. Respirometry and mitochondrial membrane potential can be measured with the O2k-FluoRespirometer or with the O2k-TPP+ ISE-Module.

The O2k is produced on demand, i.e. upon receipt of your purchase order. Therefore, the current lead time for delivery is ten (10) weeks. Depending on the workload of our workshop, this time span may be shortened.

• Installation and setup

On-site installation and setup is not included in the purchase of an Oroboros O2k. Setup and installation are usually performed by the customers themselves with the help of our detailed and user-friendly O2k-Manual which is sent out with the O2k. In addition, the manual can also be easily down-loaded form our website (O2k-Manual). There is also a section for technical service. Our technical specialists, based here in Innsbruck, can also assist in helping to locate and solve any technical problems, should these arise. Based on our experience and feedback received from customers all over the world, we are confident that you will easily master the set-up and installation.

• Training

The purchase of an O2k includes a waived registration fee for our O2k-Workshop, which takes place at regular intervals all over the world. For more information on our upcoming O2k-Workshops (IOC), please take a look at Oroboros Events or send an Email to: instruments@oroboros.at.

Yes, it is possible to extend the warranty period by a total of three years. For more details, please contact our office: instruments@oroboros.at

It is possible to lease the O2k over the course of three years, after which the instrument passes over into your ownership. Furthermore, you can rent an instrument for a short period (e.g. several weeks or months) if you need to improve your throughput for a specific study or experiment. Contact our office for further details: instruments@oroboros.at

Yes.