Cleaning Panlab Organ Baths
In order to maintain and prolong the life of Panlab organ baths, it is necessary to periodically clean the liquid feed
circuit through which the perfusate flows. It is also necessary to clean the container and associated parts. Please
note that distilled water with a 1 part per 1000 concentration of sodium azide (NaN3 [1 gram per liter of water/a
concentration of 15mM]) should be used to fill the outer container (water bath). This solution prevents algae or
mould from forming and can be kept in a container for one year without any appreciable problems.
Warning: Sodium azide powder is a highly toxic product and, therefore, it must be handled with great precaution.
Always wear protective gloves as it will harm skin. Consult a supplied MSDS for correct handling.
Cleaning the Glass Components
Regular Cleaning with Each Experiment
Prior to performing an organ bath experiment, circulate 5 liters of distilled water throughout the coil and vessel circuit
(liquid feed circuit). While the distilled water is circulating, proceed to brush the vessels with a soft bristle brush.
When the experiment is finished, flush out the entire liquid feed circuit again using another 5 liters of distilled
water, repeating the vessel brushing operation.
Periodic Cleaning and Maintenance During Storage Periods
If the organ bath is not going to be used for a prolonged period of time, the following steps should be
performed:
- The porous meshes of the vessels should be covered with distilled water to avoid particulate build upand clogging.
- Thoroughly clean the liquid feed circuit (coils and vessels) to prevent residue formations that willsubsequently impede circulation of the perfusate. This may be performed using either of the following two techniques:
- Remove the vessels and coils and submerge them in a 0.2M solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl) fora period of time no longer than 2 minutes. Take care with the vessels as the acid may remove thepaint used to provide a graduated scale on the vessel. Rinse off well with distilled water to eliminate all traces of the acid. If difficulty is encountered when disconnecting the tubes of the glass olives, it is better to cut them at the height of the join.
- Without dismantling the coils and vessels, circulate a 0.1M solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl) for amaximum or 2 minutes through the internal circuit. Then circulate 5 liters of distilled water through the vessels and coils to remove traces of the acid. It is important to take maximum care with the acid solution to ensure that it does not come into contact with the plastic parts of the bath (Perspex or Methacrylate).
Obviously there are other cleaning methods available and the possibility exists of using other acid solutions such as dichromic or lactic. The choice as to which method is best is left up to the user.
Cleaning the Organ Bath Plastic Components
To clean the plastic parts of the organ bath (walls etc), use a cloth moistened with a soapy solution and then rinse off
with distilled water. NEVER use alcohol or products containing derivatives of alcohol as they will harm the plastic
surfaces. Regularly clean the top and fixing bolts using distilled water to avoid the formation of saline deposits.
The material presented here is believed accurate at the time of writing and is only intended as a guide to cleaning.
ADInstruments, Radnoti Glass Technology and Panlab s.l. assume no liability for the use or misuse of the
preceding information.