PatchMAX 100A
Incredibly small footprint
This patent-pending design has an 8" x 8" footprint;
it is the smallest multi-function patch clamp system available.
The automated patch clamping system replaces the microscope
and the manipulator in the traditional rig. Complete with one
automated manipulator, a manual XY stage, a data acquisition
board & control system, and a perfusion chamber with the
platform, this system can automatically guide electrode to
make a seal on oocytes, suspended cells and cells on cover
slips.
Automatic membrane detection
The specially designed perfusion chamber guarantees that when
oocyte or cells are dropped into the chamber, it always reaches
the known position. The tip of the pipette can reach this position
with an accuracy of 0.05 mm, assuming the tip of the pipette
is perfectly concentric. The movement of the patch pipette
is controlled by a computer and can be programmed to stop when
the tip touches the cell membrane.
High seal success rate
The pipette positioning system provides widely different approach
speeds and proximity criteria, allowing the researcher to fine
tune the process for the perfect seal. The computer controlled
system eliminates human errors so the success rate of making
gigaohm seals using the PatchMAX 100A is over 90%.
Save and reuse sealing parameters
The approach and sealing parameters can be saved and reused.
Once you have found the perfect set of parameters, you can
save it to a file for use at other times, or by other researchers.
When a new person joins the lab, he will be able to learn the
patch clamp technique simply by using the saved lab protocols.
Noise-free recording
The system is noise-free during recording. The motorized
stage is tuned so that the electrode is stationary when the
power is turned off. You will be able to do single channel
recording without worrying about noise from the motor.
Low drift
The two modular dovetail linear stages allow you to set, lock
and forget. They are less susceptible to shock and vibration.
The motorized stage can hold its micro-step position (50 nm
resolution) overnight, even without current! The patch pipette
is fixed by a supporting arm so even when the electrode holder
is touched, the tip of the patch pipette does not move much.
Due to the fact that there are very few moving parts in the
system, the device exhibits very low drift.
Less labor-intensive and vibration
free
With the PatchMAX 100A, patch clamp experiments become less
stressful and labor-intensive. Since the manipulator is controlled
by a computer, you do not need to touch the manipulator during
the experiment. Your computer will control the process of excising
a patch in a manner that is precise and always reproducible.
Use standard glass electrodes
Unlike the conventional high-throughput systems, this system
does not use expensive "seal chips." Instead, standard
glass electrodes are used. All of your techniques with fabricating
patch pipettes still apply, and the cost of the experiment
is low
Manual control mode
Not only can you run the protocol for making a seal, but you
can also control the manipulator manually as easily as clicking
a mouse. Thus the manipulator can act like a traditional manual
manipulator. The manipulator comes with a standard mount so
it can be removed for other type of experiments.
Rapid solution change
Two specially designed perfusion chambers allow fast solution
change. Detailed information is available in the Accessories page.
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