Oroboros FAQ

                

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Oroboros FAQ

Applications and samples

Which are the most common applications of the OROBOROS Oxygraph-2k (O2k)?

The O2k is used in basic and applied research to study the respiration of tissues, cells and mitochondria. Fairly simple to highly complex, comprehensive experimental protocols can be applied to assess either basal mitochondrial characteristics or obtain diagnostic insight into respiratory pathways. Topically, studies using the O2k range from comparative physiological investigations addressing evolutionary and environmental aspects of mitochondrial metabolism over the energetics related to exercise physiology, nutrition and life style, to aspects of clinical interest such as the impact of metabolic diseases, cancer, or pharmacological interventions.

The most prominent applications of the O2k

• Studies on exercise physiology;nutrition;life style

» 754 O2k-Publications in the MiPMap

• Diagnosis of acquired and genetic mitochondrial diseases

» 64 O2k-Publications in the MiPMap

• Diagnosis of myopathies and neuromuscular pathologies

» 77 O2k-Publications in the MiPMap

• Studies on cell function and cell death - apoptosis and necrosis

» 93 O2k-Publications in the MiPMap

• Measurement of oxidative stress

» 580 O2k-Publications in the MiPMap

• Studies on ischemia-reperfusion injury

» 326 O2k-Publications in the MiPMap

• Studies on aging and senescence

» 274 O2k-Publications in the MiPMap

• Pharmacological tests

» 843 O2k-Publications in the MiPMap

• Studies on Diabetes 2

» 347 O2k-Publications in the MiPMap

• For more applications, browse through the 4690 O2k-Publications in the MiPMap.

What is high-resolution respirometry and what is so special about it?

High-resolution respirometry is the method of choice when aiming at investigating mitochondrial function either in intact cells or various types of mitochondrial preparation. Combining instrumental accuracy and reliability with versatility of applicable protocols - allowing practically unlimited addition and combination of substrates, inhibitors and uncouplers - mitochondrial respiratory pathways may be analyzed in detail to evaluate even minor alterations in respiratory pathway control and/or capacity. The O2k is a sole source apparatus, with no other available instrument meeting its specifications for high-resolution respirometry. High-resolution respirometry (HRR) is based on the O2k, combining chamber design, application of oxygen-tight materials, electrochemical and optical sensors, Peltier-temperature control and software features (DatLab) to obtain the unique sensitive and quantitative resolution of oxygen concentration and oxygen flux, with both, a closed- and open-chamber mode of operation.

Is the O2k easy to use in standard applications of mitochondrial respiration?

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

Most 'oxygraphs' are designed for analyzing isolated mitochondria. Which types of samples can be analyzed with the O2k?

The O2k can be routinely applied for cultured cells, intact 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.

Can the O2k be applied for the measurement of oxygen consumption in delicate mammalian cells, when limited numbers of cells are available?

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.

Can the O2k be applied for measuring human biopsies?

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.

Can the O2k be applied to measure tissue oxygen concentration?

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.

Can the O2k be applied for measurement of oxygen consumption in adherent cells?

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.

How many parameters can be measured simultaneously?

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-Fluo LED2-Module or respiration and mitochondrial membrane potential with either the O2k-Fluo LED2-Module or the O2k-TPP+ ISE-Module.

Software compatibility

Does DatLab software run on MAC devices?

No. The DatLab software is designed for Windows operating systems.

O2k in comparison with other devices

Why buy an O2k and not a different oxygraph?

» Top 10 reasons for the O2k

» O2k versus multiwell respirometer

How and where to buy

Do you have any distributors in my country?

With the exception of the countries listed below, OROBOROS INSTRUMENTS has a direct-sales approach. This means, we generally sell our products directly to the end user. If required by the end user, it is possible to cooperate with a distributor. We cooperate with our distributors in the following countries:

• China: CN Beijing Zenda.
• Taiwan: TW Taoyuan Sunpoint.
• Republic of Korea: KR Seoul Mymed.
• Australia: AU Adelaide AIMedical.
• New Zealand: NZ Auckland GBC BioMed.
• Japan: JP Tokyo Sanyo. We are also open to requests for specific distributors as well as direct sales.
• Malaysia: MY Puchong Selangor Saujana Saintifik. We are also open to requests for specific distributors as well as direct sales.

How do I obtain price information on the O2k?

Further information under Purchase.

Whom do I contact to buy an O2k

In order to request a quote or order an O2k or spare parts, please contact our Admin Team: [email protected]

Delivery content, warranty and support

How long from order till delivery?

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.

Does the purchase include installation, setup and training?

• Installation and setup

On-site installation and setup is not included in the purchase of an O2k-Core. 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: [email protected].

Does the O2k-Core include a PC or do we have to purchase it separately?

No, the purchase of an O2k does not include a PC. However, a laptop or a PC (PC Requirements) is required to connect the O2k and run the required software (DatLab).

Is it possible to extend the warranty period?

Yes, it is possible to extend the warranty period by a total of three years. For more details, please contact our office: [email protected]

Are taxes and duty fees included in the price?

No, our offer does not include any taxes or any applicable duty fees. Please consider this when budgeting the purchase.

Do you offer the option to lease or rent your instruments?

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: [email protected]

Are you registered with System for Award Management (SAM)?

Yes.