Ussing Chamber Systems

Complete Ussing Chamber Systems for Cell & Tissue

Ussing Chamber Systems

Research-grade equipment for epithelial ion transport and barrier function (TEER). Manufactured by Physiologic Instruments.

Our complete Ussing chamber systems combine precision-machined EasyMount™ chambers, VCC voltage-clamp amplifiers, and multi-channel Acquire & Analyze 3 software—trusted by labs worldwide for reproducible ISC, VT, and TEER measurements across epithelial tissues and cell culture monolayers.

  • Complete Systems
    Chambers, amplifiers & software included
  • Key Readouts
    ISC, VT, RT/TEER, ion flux
  • US Manufacturer
    Direct applications support since 1989
  • Scalable
    1–16+ synchronized channels

What Is an Ussing Chamber?

An Ussing chamber is a laboratory device used to study ion transport, barrier function, and electrophysiological properties of epithelial tissues. The system consists of two compartments (apical and basolateral) separated by an epithelial tissue or cell culture insert. Ag/AgCl electrodes measure and control voltage and current across the tissue, enabling researchers to quantify:

  • Short-circuit current (ISC) — Active ion transport rate
  • Transepithelial potential (VT) — Electrical potential difference across tissue
  • Transepithelial resistance (RT/TEER) — Barrier integrity and tight junction function
  • Ion flux and permeability — Drug absorption and paracellular transport mechanisms

Physiologic Instruments' systems feature our patented EasyMount™ design for rapid tissue mounting, temperature control, gas perfusion (O₂/CO₂), and automated data acquisition through Acquire & Analyze software.

Ussing chamber diagram showing epithelial tissue between apical and basolateral compartments with Ag/AgCl electrodes measuring ion transport
Our Ussing Chamber with epithelial tissue between apical and basolateral compartments with Ag/AgCl electrodes measuring ion transport.

Ussing chamber apparatus measuring transepithelial ion transport and resistance (TEER)


Ussing Chamber Applications in Research

Ussing chamber systems are essential tools in pharmaceutical research, academic studies, and toxicology for:

Drug Absorption & Permeability

Evaluate compound permeability across intestinal (Caco-2, mouse intestine), respiratory, and renal epithelia. Simultaneously monitor ISC and TEER to assess active transport mechanisms.

Barrier Function (TEER)

Quantify epithelial barrier integrity in disease models (IBD, leaky gut), toxicity screening, and drug effects on tight junction proteins using real-time TEER monitoring.

Ion Channel and Transporter Studies

Characterize CFTR, ENaC, SGLT, and other transporters using voltage-clamp protocols, pharmacological inhibitors, and substrate challenges for cystic fibrosis and diabetes research.

GI Physiology and Electrolyte Transport

Study sodium, chloride, and nutrient absorption in intestinal tissue; evaluate probiotic effects, inflammatory responses, and secretion mechanisms.

Buy Complete Ussing Chamber Systems

All systems include EasyMount™ chambers, VCC voltage-clamp amplifiers, perfusion accessories, and Acquire & Analyze 3 for synchronized multi-channel recording, real-time analysis, and data export. Free technical support and installation training included with every purchase.

Shop Ussing Chambers by Configuration

Choose from our range of pre-configured systems or request a custom setup for your specific tissue model:

Low-Volume Systems
0.5–2 mL chambers for cell culture inserts and small tissue samples
Cell & Tissue Systems
Standard 3–5 mL chambers for Transwell/Snapwell inserts
Rat Tissue Systems
Optimized for rat intestine, colon, and bladder tissue
Multi-Channel Systems
4, 8, or 16-chamber high-throughput configurations

Why Researchers Choose Physiologic Instruments

✓ US Manufacturer Since 1989
Direct engineering support, rapid turnaround, and custom configurations designed in Venice, FL
✓ Patented EasyMount™ Design
Fast tissue mounting with superior seal consistency vs. traditional Ussing chambers
✓ Complete System Integration
Chambers, electronics, and software designed to work together—no compatibility issues
✓ 1000+ Research Citations
Trusted in peer-reviewed publications at academic and pharmaceutical institutions worldwide

How to Choose the Right Ussing Chamber System

Select your system based on these four key criteria:

  1. Tissue/Sample Type: Native tissue sections (intestine, colon, bladder, airway) vs. cell culture inserts (Transwell, Snapwell). Chamber bore diameter (3-15mm) must accommodate your sample size.
  2. Number of Channels: Single chamber for method development, or 4-16 channels for screening multiple conditions, compounds, or replicates simultaneously.
  3. Measurement Parameters: Basic ISC/VT/RT, or advanced features like automated pH control, dual-channel flux measurements, or temperature ramping.
  4. Software & Analysis: Real-time acquisition, automated calculations, and GLP-compliant data export with Acquire & Analyze 3.

Need help selecting? Request a quote or book a consultation with our applications scientists.

Ussing Chamber Technique & Best Practices

Successful Ussing chamber experiments require attention to tissue preparation, chamber setup, and solution composition. Key considerations include:

  • Tissue viability: Minimize time between dissection and mounting; use pre-oxygenated buffers
  • Temperature control: Maintain 37°C for mammalian tissues using water-jacketed chambers
  • Gas perfusion: Continuous O₂/CO₂ bubbling to maintain pH and tissue oxygenation
  • Equilibration time: Allow 15-30 min for stabilization before baseline measurements
  • Electrode maintenance: Regularly re-chloride Ag/AgCl electrodes for accurate voltage measurements

For detailed protocols, see our step-by-step Ussing chamber guide.

Ussing Chamber Resources and Support

Ussing Chamber — Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ussing chamber used for?

An Ussing chamber is used to measure ion transport, drug permeability, and barrier function across epithelial tissues. Researchers use Ussing chambers to quantify short-circuit current (ISC), transepithelial resistance (TEER), and study how drugs, toxins, or disease states affect epithelial barrier integrity and active transport mechanisms.

What does TEER measure in an Ussing chamber?

TEER (transepithelial electrical resistance) measures the electrical resistance across an epithelial tissue, which indicates tight junction integrity and overall barrier function. Higher TEER values indicate a tighter barrier, while decreased TEER suggests increased permeability or compromised tight junctions.

How much does an Ussing chamber system cost?

Complete Ussing chamber systems typically range from $30,000-$75,000+ depending on the number of channels, chamber type, and features. Single-channel systems start around $15,000-$25,000, while multi-channel configurations range from $30,000-$75,000+. Request a quote for your specific requirements.

What is short-circuit current (Isc)?

Short-circuit current (ISC) is the current required to clamp the transepithelial voltage to zero, representing net active ion transport across the epithelium. Positive ISC typically indicates net anion secretion or cation absorption.

Can I use Transwell/Snapwell inserts in an Ussing chamber?

Yes—our EasyMount™ chambers are specifically designed to accommodate Transwell, Snapwell, and other cell culture inserts. We offer chamber sliders with various bore sizes (3mm, 6mm, 12mm) to fit standard insert formats.

What tissues can be studied in an Ussing chamber?

Ussing chambers can study any epithelial tissue including intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon), urinary bladder, trachea/bronchi, skin, kidney tubules, and gallbladder. Both native tissue sections and cultured epithelial cell monolayers can be measured.

Do I need special software?

Acquire & Analyze 3 software can be included with our systems and enables synchronized multi-channel acquisition, automated calculations, real-time graphing, and data export for analysis.

Trusted by leading institutions: NIH, Mayo Clinic, Pfizer, Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, and 500+ research organizations worldwide