microINJECTOR™ System Complete w/ Inverted Microscope, manipulator
MINJ-1000:
$12,324.32
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- Special Order
Tritech Research sells complete microinjection systems that integrate our famous microINJECTOR™, Pulse Length Control Module (PCM), and needle holder with top name brand inverted microscopes and micromanipulation equipment. We take advantage of our status as a fully authorized Narishige dealer and manufacturer of custom OEM solutions for Olympus and other microscope systems to get you great prices and the added convenience of receiving a fully integrated microinjection system from a single source.
Other features include our custom GlideStage®, which provides a fine level of manual stage manipulation at a fraction of the cost of motorized stage manipulators. When the stage is in use, you can employ a low-cost mechanical joystick-type micromanipulator, to save thousands of dollars over other systems.
Microscope Features:
Small Foot Print.
Excellent Quality Optics.
Includes our custom-made Hoffman Modulation Contrast (HMC) optics for DIC-like images at a significantly reduced price.
Trinocular head for photo and video documentation.
Available with a fluorescent system for detection of GFP, DAPI, Rhodamine, etc.
Some researchers are curious whether a low-cost dedicated injection station like the MINJ-1000 is going to be a compromise in terms of quality, ease-of-use, or optics. The answer is - no. Great optics are as important to us as they are to you. Just as there can be a "good" DIC image, when the right Wallaston prism is combined with the right numerical aperture objective and the correct polarization, and a poor DIC image when these items are not optimized, we design and choose our HMC optics to work together to get you great images. Don't let a bad experience with a local microscope rep who doesn't know what he is doing, or understand how to optimize a system for your microinjection needs prejudice you.
Here are links to some QuickTime movies showing oocytes and the syncitial gonads of some C. elegans worms under our MINJ-1000 scope. We think you will be impressed with how clear and easy to inject these structures are. Click on these links to watch the QuickTime Movies (it will take a while for them to load completely, and then they will play.) To watch one again, click "Reload" or hit the play button if it is visible:
And, here are a few still images... Click them to see an enlarged view:
COMPARISON OF HOFFMAN AND DIC VIEWS OF THE SAME C. ELEGANS WORM
HMCDIC
If the videos seem unavailable, try refreshing the web page Here is a video that shows how to mount our standard MN-151 micromanipulator and set up for microinjection:
Here is a video that shows how to assemble with a more complex hydraulic micromanipulator, add the condenser, and our Glidestage™:
FAQ's
Q: What are the dimensions of this system, in terms of being compact and fitting on my injection table?
A: The microscope itself is 21" (54cm) deep from the eyepieces to the back x 9" (23cm) wide; it is 21" (54cm) tall. Our standard joystick-type micromanipulator mounts on the side of stage and adds about 4" (10cm) of width there.
Q: Which exact components are included in the standard MINJ-1000?
A: The MINJ-1000 includes the inverted microscope, the Narishige MN-151 joystick micromanipulator, our Analog foot-pedal controlled microINJECTOR MINJ-1, pulse-length control module MINJ-2, brass straight-arm quick-change needle holder MINJ-4, and custom-made microinjection GlideStage MINJ-GS. The standard optics for the worm version of the MINJ-1000 includes 2 Olympus objectives: a 4x for finding the worms and a customized 40x short working distance HMC objective for optically sectioning the worm to find the z-plane with the gonad of interest. Some people choose to upgrade to our digital microINJECTOR, a hydraulic micromanipulator, or to add our low-cost anti-vibration bench plate or a camera, or fluorescence capabilities. These are all extra options for additional cost.
Q: What are some other items needed to start injecting procedures immediately using the MINJ-1000 system?
A: 1) 50mm x 24mm cover slips 2) agar for agar pads 3) something like an oven to bake the agar pads 4) halocarbon oil, or at least mineral oil, to cover the agar pads and protect the worms from total desiccation 5) a good non-vibrating table, or our MINJ-AVP 6) a nearby electric outlet for the scope and the MINJ-2 7) a nearby dissecting scope to quickly mount and recover the worms, such as our SMT1 stereo microscope.
Q: How can I adjust the camera/eye piece so that camera and eye piece are both in focus?
A: Since the camera should be parfocal with the eyepieces on the MINJ-1000 by the nature of c-mount optics, perhaps one too many (or possibly one too few) of the threaded adapter rings got moved along with the camera. Please try removing or adding a ring in between the camera and the c-mount for the MINJ-1000 and see if that makes it parfocal. One way that you can tell the needed distance is to remove all of the rings and hold the camera above the c-mount adapter by hand to see how high it needs to be for the image to be in focus. Also, please note the the eyepieces have a diopter adjustment, and parfocality should be near the "0" point on the eyepieces.
Q: Is the inverted scope included in the MINJ-1000 system compatible with all micro manipulators and objectives?
A: Yes, the inverted microscope is made for our company and it is compatible with all of our micromanipulators (we adapt it as needed). Our microscope fits all Olympus brand infinity-corrected objectives.
Q: What is the main difference between microinjection setups for worm labs versus zebrafish labs?
A: The typical setups for worm and zebrafish injections are quite different. C. elegans should certainly be microinjected on a coverslip under an inverted scope like our MINJ-1000. On the other hand, zebrafish are typically microinjected in a petri dish of water or agar under a dissecting stereomicroscope, although it can be done on the inverted scope using long working distance objectives that are able to see up through the dish or a chamber slide. In any case, the same micromanipulators and microinjection pressure controllers apply to both and could be moved from one scope to the other if you decide to get both types of scopes.
Q: What is the main advantage of the MMO-4 hydraulic micromanipulator over the MN-151 mechanical micro manipulator?
A: With a mechanical micromanipulator like the MN-151, the user touches the actual micromanipulator to move the joystick. This can introduce some vibration and some torque during movement. With a hydraulic micromanipulator like the MMO-4, the joystick is separated from the micromanipulator by the hydraulic tubes, so the user doesn't touch it, and so the movement is smooth and well isolated.
Q: What are the magnifications for the inverted scope?
A: The MINJ-1000 can be configured many different ways, but the standard configuration for C. elegans includes 10x wide-field eyepieces along with a 4x and 40x objective. Multiplying eyepiece x objective, you will have 40x for finding and lining up the worms and 400x for performing the injection.
Q: The image does not focus sharply. What are some ways to fix this?
A: The first thing you can check is the camera port selector. It is a black knob on either side of the scope just below the eyepiece head. If it is not all the way in the camera position or the eyepiece position, it could cause problems. Next you can try putting the scope condenser in the bright-field position (open circle, no Hoffman slit). Look at something with high contrast like a piece of paper with small text on it. See if it is really true that the two images are vertically aligned with both the 4x and with the 40x objective. If so, slightly unscrew the objective so as to rotate it while looking at the image. Does the alignment rotate as well, or does it stay the same? You could also remove the objective and shake it. Make sure there is no rattling. Lastly, clean the objective to ensure there is no collected dirt or dust.
Q: If we have an existing MINJ-1000 set up, can it be converted to a tetrad dissection scope?
A: The main and most expensive item that you need to convert your MINJ-1000 into a MINJ-YTD is a 40x or possibly a 20x objective lens that has ultra-long working distance. It will need to focus through the dish and through the agar to the asci on the surface. If it uses phase-contrast, then you will need a phase contrast condenser with a matching phase ring. Another option would be to use a 10x objective and higher magnification eyepieces. Some people also like a mechanical XY stage attachment so that they can move to particular coordinates on the dish, but you can draw a grid on the dishes instead.
Q: What are some important factors to achieve successful injections?
A: An important thing to getting good injections is to insert the microinjection needle into the correct part of the embryo. In order to line up the needle so that it penetrates in the correct Z-axis plane, it is important to have a microscope with appropriate contrast optics such as DIC, our customized HMC, or at least phase contrast. Using microscope objectives and a matching condenser to support one of these contrast methods will allow you to optically section through the embryo. When the plane of interest in the embryo is in focus, then you can bring the tip of the microinjection needle into the same focal plane by adjusting the Z-axis of the micromanipulator that is holding the needle holder. Then, when you advance the needle in the X-axis, you will know that the tip will end up in the desired part of the embryo.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
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Microinjectors
Precision Pneumatic Injector
IM-11-2:
$2,024.86
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- Ships in 1-5 days
Narishige's IM-11-2 is a pneumatically operated microinjector that allows suction and injection of a microsample with precision and operability comparable to oil hydraulic injectors. It features maintenance-free operation for IVF and transgenic work. If you were considering an Eppendorf Celltram or a "mushroom" injector, consider the IM-11-2 as an alternative for both quality features and price.
This model incorporates a new pneumatic injection mechanism, with extremely smooth control and a reduced dead volume for superior responsiveness comparable to oil-filled microinjectors. Since it doesn't use oil, there are no maintenance issues like topping up the oil, re-filling, or removing air bubbles. New quick-connect fittings allows for quickly changing tubing and needle holders without tools! Coaxial course and fine control knobs enable pressure to be changed both quickly and with high precision. This injector is recommended for use for both injecting on the microinjection side and also for the cell holding side. The unit is self-contained (no additional syringes needed).
There are two identical versions of this product available. The IM-11-2 is "For Research Use Only" and the IM-11-2a is an identical product that is FDA registered for medical procedures such as IVF / ICSI. The IM-11-2a has an extra fee associated with it to cover the Medical Device Excise Tax that is charged as per the PPACA ("Obamacare"). Please specify which model number you want at the time of order.
A variation of the IM-11-2, designated IM-12, is a shorter/stubbier version of the IM-11-2 with only course control. If you need the IM-12, we can special-order it from Narishige Japan - contact us for a quote.
Key Features
1) Quick-connect tubing connection The quick-connect fitting makes it easy to insert, remove, or replace the tubing that goes to the pipette holder, using just your fingers. The same fitting is found on the included HI-9 needle holder, so it is now trivial to replace the tubing or remove the needle holder for cleaning. The quick-connects also allow the tubing to be rotated so that it doesn't kink, thus the needle tip can be rotated by rotating the holder.
2) Pressure release push-button A one-touch pressure relief valve allows pressure to vent from the injector so you can zero the pressure at any point within the travel of the internal syringe. This makes it easy to adjust the responsiveness, create the perfect balance pressure in the pipette, or instantly release an egg or stop an injection.
3) Responsiveness is adjustable As mentioned in feature 2, by zeroing the pressure at larger or smaller syringe volumes, the operational responsiveness can be decreased or increased, respectively, according to your preference.
4) Course and fine pressure adjustment A long syringe and coarse/fine coaxial control knobs allow the amount of pressure change per knob rotation to be increased by approx. 25x compared to other injectors with only a fine movement. This gives access to a wide range of pressures, quickly, without sacrificing fine pressure control.
Accessories for IM-11-2 are made exclusively for IM-11-2. Please contact us before considering other accessories.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
Supports various applications from microinjecting cells to puffing a drug solution to stimulate cells.
IM-31:
$3,891.89
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- Discontinued
Narishige's IM-31 is a versatile electric controlled pneumatic microinjector, ideal for labs performing a broad range of microinjections. It has 2 modes - a count mode to set the pressure / time / count and inject a solution and a foot switch mode to set only the pressure and inject a solution while pressing a foot switch - that can be selected in accordance with the experimental application. In addition, incremented settings are also possible when the count is set. Moreover, external control with the same action as the foot switch is possible via the input of TTL signals (negative logic).
To Use this model, a compressor or compressed gas tank and regulator is required. We can supply compatible air compressors if necessary.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
Pneumatic Microinjector (for Holding Side)
IM-HD1:
$1,472.43
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- Ships in 5-7 days
Pneumatic Microinjector (for Holding Side)
Injector for the holiding side attachable to the manipulator joystick
This pneumatic injector is intended exclusively for holding an egg. It can be attached to the manipulator joystick and allows for delicately holding and releasing an egg in a secure manner - and is operable with only one finger to conduct micromanipulation and suctioning work simultaneously. Two types of tubing with different inner diameter measurements are included to customize the response speed.
IM-HD1 can be attached to the joystick of MMO-202ND, MO-202U, MOM-202D, MON-202D, MWO-202D, ON series and NT series. * When attaching to TAKANOME MTK-1 series, refer to IM-HD1T.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
Pneumatic Injector (for Holding Side)
IM-HD1T:
$1,388.11
†
- Ships in 5-7 days
Pneumatic Microinjector (for Holding Side)
Injector for the holiding side attachable to the manipulator joystick
This pneumatic injector is intended to use exclusively for holding an egg. It can be attached to the joystick of TAKANOME, which allows holding and releasing an egg in a delicate and secure manner - and operable with only one finger. It enables doing micromanipulation and suctioning work at the same time. Two types of tubing which has different inner diameter are included to customize the response speed.
* IM-HD1T can be attached to MTK-1 series. * When attaching to the joystick of conventional models, refer to IM-HD1.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
Tritech Microinjectors
microINJECTOR™ System
MINJ-1:
$643.24
†
- Ships in 1-5 days
Tritech Research has designed a microinjection system that lets you control with exacting precision both the pressure and the duration of the microinjection pulse. And, it's available at a fraction of the cost of competing systems.
Our microINJECTOR™ System uses a precision pressure regulator and a high-speed electronic solenoid switching valve, yet it is amazingly robust and simple to operate. It allows you to start and stop injection within a fraction of a second and control the quantity and flow of material into your target with precision. Our electronic foot control is designed to keep your hands free so you can concentrate on the manipulation of your needle and target.
The microINJECTOR comes preassembled, ready to use. You need only to attach the system to a compressed gas tank (e.g. N2) or in-house pressurized air line at one end and your needle at the other. You set the desired pressure and the system delivers pulses of pressure to your needle. In the base model, the duration of the injection pulse is controlled by how long you hold down the high-speed electronic foot pedal. With our easy-to-use, reliable equipment there is no "magic" required. Even a novice will be turning out transformants the first day.
The Single-Pressure MINJ-1, shown, switches between the injection pressure, during injection, and atmospheric pressure between injections. The Dual Pressure Option allows the user to apply a secondary, adjustable positive holding pressure to the needle between injections. This balance pressure is lower than the injection pressure but higher than the atmospheric pressure in the room. It can prevent backflow of media or cytoplasm into the needle, reducing sample dilution and needle clogging, respectively. Click HERE to see a photo of the Dual Pressure MINJ-1 or HERE to see the more compact low-input-pressure version of the Dual Pressure MINJ-1.
With our optional electronic MINJ-2 Pulse-Length Control Module (PCM) you can set injection times from ~0.1 to ~15 seconds. Each time the pedal is pressed, a constant volume is reproducibly injected. This option is crucial for quantitative experiments such as transient expression assays following microinjection of DNA, RNA, protein or other substances. For manual control, just set the time to maximum, and stop pushing the pedal early!
By controlling the pulse length and pressure independently, you can compensate for the flow characteristics of individual needles; you can determine if the needle is properly placed prior to any appreciable damage occurring to your target; and you can fill your target incrementally. High pressure settings with rapid on/off pulses aid in unclogging needles. The MINJ-2 is required for all orders to countries that use 220-240 volts, as the means of powering the MINJ-1.
As an added option to the microINJECTOR System you can hold your target with our state-of-the art MINJ-3 Holding Pipette Controller (HPC). The HPC allows you to pick-up and hold your target with vacuum suction and then release it with positive pressure. Our unique pneumatic foot pedal control allows a continuous range from vacuum through positive pressure depending on the position of the pedal. It is ideal for holding and manipulating targets such as embryos and oocytes. It is lso useful for injecting ES cells into Blastocysts. As any of our customers will attest, within a short time you will be proficiently getting transformants.
The output of the microINJECTOR needs to be coupled to something. For example, if you're using glass microcapillary needles, our MINJ-4 microINJECTOR™ Brass Straight-Arm Needle Holder will do the job cost-effectively. .
A special version, the MINJ-4FEM, is designed for those that prefer to use Eppendorf® prepulled Femtotips® (that screw on) instead of our own lower-cost MINJ-PP prepulled needles that are compatible with our standard MINJ-4.
Another special version, the MINJ-4SLIP, is designed for those who prefer to use SlipTip® and Luer-Lok® Needles (that push or twist on) instead of our MINJ-PP glass needles.
FAQ's
Q: How do you connect the MINJ-1 microinjection system to a N2 or compressed air outlet instead of a high-pressure N2 tank?
A: If you are ordering a new system exclusively for use with a lab gas get, choose the Low Pressure Air Line Regulator under the regulator pull-down menu in the gree Options box above. This regulator comes with a quick-connect for 1/4-inch (6mm) Outside Diameter tubing.
You can also adapt and existing high-input-pressure system to work with a gas jet via a tubing connection to the regulator instead of using the cylinder fitting. The cylinder fitting can be unscrewed from the regulator by using a wrench on the flat part of it and unscrewing it counter-clockwise. That will expose a 1/4 NPT female port. We have a tubing quick-connect fitting that will screw into that port, or you can get any fitting you'd prefer. Our item number for the quick-connect:
MINJ-14NPT14QC: 1/4 NPT Male to 1/4 inch O.D. tubing Quick Connect fitting (special order - not on website, usually in stock) Please call or e-mail and we'll be glad to get you the fittings needed so that your system is ready to connect to what you have available.
This fitting accepts 1/4" outside-diameter tubing. We have the tubing, as well:
TT-1-4OD: 1/4" OD / 1/8" ID Clear Polyurethane Tubing
Q: Can the MINJ-1 deliver volumes in the picoliter range?
A: The MINJ-1 has no problem delivering volumes in the picoliter range. The delivery range is based on the needle tip diameter along with the pressure and time. Sharp needles with tips in the 1 micron range easily deliver picoliter volumes.
Q: Do you have adapters or setups that could split, let's say a single compressed air faucet, into 4, 6, or 8 MINJ-1 injection stations (15-20psi each)? Do you recommend any portable, electric air compressors?
A: Yes, we have Quick-connect Tee fittings that can split one pressure source to several of the MINJ-1 low-input-pressure-version units. We have an adapter that replaces the barb output from the "standard" compressed air faucets with a 1/4" tubing quick-connect, which would then have a piece or tubing going to the Tee(s) where it will be split into the MINJ-1 units. We do sell a relatively portable and relatively quiet (56dBA) oil-free air compressor that could serve as the pressure source when there is not compressed air faucet available. It could go under the lab bench with the output tube coming up. Not only is it quiet, but it will not even turn on very often because the MINJ-1 uses so little air per injection. The product number is MINJ-CMPR1.
Q: Can the MINJ-1 be used to inject larger volumes into adult flies?
A: Yes, the MINJ-1 can be used to inject adult flies. You will need to ensure you have the appropriate needle tip to get the flow needed and the appropriate amount of liquid in your needles. This way you can get the larger amounts injected to come out in a reasonable amount of time. If the volumes are larger than several nano liters, you might want to draw lines on your needles at 1 uL to 0.1 uL increments so you can see how much you are injecting.
Q: The needle on our MINJ-4 tends to vibrate and move forward when pressure is applied during injections. How can this be fixed?
A: The issue is that the needle is probably not being held securely by the compression fitting. Please see the photo on our MINJ-4 page that shows the correct order and orientation of the parts that are inside the end of MINJ-4, and ensure you have all the pieces. The idea is that as the large nut is tightened, the rubber compression fitting is squeezed between the needle holder body and the small brass ferrule. This causes it to thicken and grab on to the glass. It should be able to grab well onto glass from 1.0mm - 1.5mm outside diameter. If it is the right tightness and the pressure is not too high (perhaps under 30 psi) then the needle shouldn't move much during the injection pulse.
Q: How can the 1/4 inch tubing be attached to a laboratory hose barb output?
A: For connection to lab air jets, we recommend our fitting MINJ-38NPT14QC. This fitting screws into a female 3/8 NPT thread on one side and the other side allows for secure connection to the 1/4" OD tubing of the MINJ-1 or MINJ-D. Please ensure that the thread size is the same as your lab gas output. Our MINJ-38NPT14QC is meant to replace the hose barb / white portion of your gas fitting. The thread size of our MINJ-38NPT14QC fitting is a 3/8 Male NPT, so it will be compatible with a female 3/8 NPT thread. If this fitting is not compatible, you could consider making an adapter from a small piece of stretchy tubing and 2 hose clamps. One end of this tubing can be clamped onto your lab hose barb output, and the other end can be clamped with the 1/4" OD microinjector tubing inside it to form a bridge.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
microINJECTOR™ All-Digital Multi-pressure System
MINJ-D:
$3,237.84
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For demanding applications that require a full-featured microinjection system, Tritech Research offers the MINJ-D All-Digital Multi-Pressure microINJECTOR™. In basic microinjection, a hollow needle with a microscopic tip is filled with a liquid, poked into a target, and then temporarily pressurized so as to inject some of the liquid into the target. The variables that determine the amount injected are pressure, time, viscosity of the liquid, and diameter of the needle opening. A simple, practical system for accomplishing this is our MINJ-1 microINJECTOR™ (standard model). While the MINJ-1, and its line of accessories, help many scientists breeze through their microinjections, some experiments and procedures require a higher level of sophistication, accuracy, and reproducibility. In basic microinjection, the needle is either at a user-set pressure when injecting, or at atmospheric pressure when not injecting. In some cases, backflow of cytoplasm or medium into the needle can be problematic. For these cases, a lower "holding pressure" that is lower than the injecting pressure, but higher than atmospheric pressure is useful between injections. A holding pressure can also reduce needle clogging. No matter how careful a person is, needles occasionally do clog. For these cases, a short blast of a "clearing pressure," higher than the normal injection pressure, is useful to unclog the needles. The MINJ-D employs a user-friendly microprocessor to digitally synthesize injecting, holding and clearing pressures, as well as injection durations reproducibly. Using a simple "Menu" button, and Up and Down buttons, anyone can set the pressures and the injection duration in seconds. It's so intuitive, you won't have to read the directions! Here are the key features and specifications of the Digital microINJECTOR™:
Most compact on the market 6" x 7" x 3" and weighs under 2 lbs. (15cm x 17cm x 7cm and weighs under 1 kg)
Fast response time between pressures (~100 milliseconds)
Simple 3-button control
Digital display with backlight for easy reading
Microprocessor accuracy
Foot pedal included for hands-free injection control
Pressure range (applies to each of holding, injecting and clearing pressures): 0 - 100 psi
Built-in Vacuum Generator can be used to front-fill needles by aspiration
Manual Injection Mode
Injection Data-logging Port for optional computer interface
Injection Control Port for optional computer control
The MINJ-D can be attached directly to a laboratory compressed air jet or attached to a compressed Nitrogen cylinder using a pressure regulator such as our TREG-N2. The system is designed to use a minimum of gas, so even a small cylinder may last for months or years. When ordering, please let us know if you intend to attach your injector to a compressed gas source or an in-house air jet, so that we can provide you with the proper fittings for attachment.
The output of the microINJECTOR needs to be coupled to something. For example, if you're using glass microcapillary needles, our MINJ-4 microINJECTOR™ Brass Straight-Arm Needle Holder will do the job cost-effectively. .
A special version, the MINJ-4FEM, is designed for those that prefer to use Eppendorf® prepulled Femtotips® (that screw on) instead of our own lower-cost MINJ-PP prepulled needles that are compatible with our standard MINJ-4.
Another special version, the MINJ-4SLIP, is designed for those who prefer to use SlipTip® and Luer-Lok® Needles (that push or twist on) instead of our MINJ-PP glass needles.
FAQ's
Q: What is the pressure resolution of the microINJECTOR™?
A: The MINJ-D is capable of pressure control in increments of 1 psi or 1 kPa (6.9 kPa = 1 psi), depending on which unit mode you choose... So you get almost 7 times more resolution in kPa mode!
Q: How much input pressure should be supplied to the MINJ-D via my regulator when using a lab air jet or nitrogen tank as a pressure source?
A: First, never exceed 80 psi (550 kPa), or you may damage the unit or create an unsafe situation!
For the best control, you should set the regulator just a little higher than the highest pressure that you need to deliver. You could start with 50 psi (345 kPa) input and then use the menus to find the best injection pressure (and possibly a clearing pressure that is higher than the normal injection pressure). If you find, for example, that your useful pressures are all under 20 psi (140 kPa), and that the unit is overshooting or not hitting/maintaining the pressures as consistently as you would like, then you can lower the input pressure to 25 psi (175 kPa), and it will be more stable at lower pressures.
Q: Can I still use the MINJ-D with my laboratory compressed air jet or compressor if it delivers greater than 80 psi (550 kPa)?
A: The MINJ-D requires input pressure between 10 psi (70 kPa) and 80 psi (550 kPa); it must be at least the pressure you need to deliver, but not more than 80 psi. If your lab air jet or compressor might ever deliver pressure above 80 psi, you can use a low-pressure regulator with quick-connects at the input and output ports to reduce and stabilize the input pressure. You can order these from us, so contact us to order the correct model. Please note that opening an air jet port only slightly or restricting the flow does not lower the pressure in a closed system, it only slows down how long it takes to get to the full pressure; a pressure regulator is needed to lower the pressure.
Q: How can I prevent material from flowing out through the tip of the needle even when the foot pedal is not depressed?
A: If material is flowing out of the needle between injection pulses, this indicates excessive Holding Pressure. You can either set the Holding Pressure to zero, or set it more precisely. If you are having trouble finding a Holding Pressure menu setting where nothing is coming out of the needle, and you are in PSI mode, you might want to start by switching the unit to kPa mode by using the Units menu. This will increase the pressure resolution by nearly a factor of 7. If that still doesn't achieve the holding pressure you'd like, then select the Holding Pressure where it is slightly too high (some solution is still coming out of the needle) then turn the vacuum control knob (on the right hand side of MINJ-D) slowly counter-clockwise (from its original closed and fully-clockwise position) until no more solution is flowing out of your needle tip. The vacuum control knob adjusts the system from injecting-mode (all the way clockwise) to vacuum-mode (all the way counter-clockwise). By turning the knob slightly counter-clockwise, you are reducing the pressure slowly until you find the balanced pressure where there is no material flowing out of your needle tip. With appropriate Holding Pressure, there should be minimal flow out of the needle between injections.
Q: I am trying to inject zebrafish/xenopus eggs and not getting good control. What settings or procedures should I use?
A: Make the needle tip opening as small as possible. Having a smaller needle tip will increase your accuracy when injecting with the MINJ-D because it will let you use higher pressures to get the desired volume injected. We recommend using the procedure of etching the needle tip in HF acid to open the needle tip so that it is sharper and creates a smaller opening than just breaking it off with an exacto knife or tweezers. We have a protocol for this in the FAQ section of our MINJ-PP product page.
By injecting some dye into a petri dish of water, and you can experiment with setting the pressure to make sure that the Holding and Injecting pressures are set appropriately so that there is minimal backflow of water or outflow of dye with your needle, without wasting any of your actual sample. You can also switch the unit to kPA mode instead of psi mode, and you will get nearly 7 times more precision. You can also lower input pressure to a bit higher than the actual pressure at which you are injecting. This way, the MINJ-D will be able to regulate the pressure more precisely. For example, if your injecting pressure is at 2 psi (14 kPa) but your input/source is at 80 psi (550 kPa), each time you press the foot pedal, your injection may overshoot because the inrushing input pressure is so much higher than your injection pressure; however, if your injecting pressure is reduced to 5 psi (35 kPa), there will be less overshoot.
Q: How do I connect the tubing to my Nitrogen regulator?
A: If you purchased the TREG-N2 N2 regulator from Tritech Research, it should have a brightly colored "quick-connect" fitting in its output, and the MINJ-D tubing should lock right into it. The way that the quick-connect works is: to lock in the tube, you insert the tube in as far as it will go (you will feel resistance and overcome it) and when you slowly try to pull out the tube, you will then feel it lock into place; to remove the tube, hold in the brightly colored ring of the quick-connect fitting while pulling out the tube.
Q: What procedure would you recommend to stop everything between injections to avoid turning on and off the system multiple times?
A: Turning the system off does not vent the holding pressure. Instead, it will vent when you turn it back on. In between injections, to cancel an ongoing injection or deactivate the Holding Pressure, we recommend using the Minus Button (-), which activates the Abort function. It will stop the current pulse, if any, and it will also vent the Holding Pressure.
Q: How can I reset the system to factory settings?
A: To reset the device to factory settings: 1) make sure power is turned off 2) hold down the plus (+) button 3) while continuing to hold down the (+) button, turn on power to the device 4) after text appears on the display, release the (+) button
Q: How can I load the specimen manually from the back?
A: In most microinjection applications, the total volume for all the injections is less than 1 microliter, and the tip is too small to suck up anything meaningful, so you can preload the needle from the back before you put it in the needle holder. This can either be done by capillary action, if the amount needed is well less than 1 microliter and the pipets have an internal glass filament, or they can be filled from the back by drawing a glass tube very finely with a flame or by using commercially available loading pipets (each of which are fine enough to fit inside the OD of the capillary tube).
Q: Is there a maximum vacuum pressure that the MINJ-D is able to apply?
A: The theoretical maximum vacuum for the unit, if you have the injecting pressure set to 60 psi with an input pressure of 80 psi (the maximum allowable) and the vacuum control valve wide open and a needle in the needle holder is: -86kPa = -12.5 psi = -.85 atm. Which isn't bad considering a perfect vacuum is 1 atm. Under more normal settings and realistically, it would be about half of that.
Q: For Xenopus egg injections, - What is the ideal injection pressure? - What is the ideal holding pressure? - What is the ideal clearing pressure? - What is the ideal injection interval?
A: The answer to all of the ideal settings above will be highly dependent on the needle tip opening. We suggest an extremely fine tip in the 1 micron range. In that case, you might inject at 10 psi for 1 second and have a holding pressure of maybe 2 psi and a clearing pressure of 30 psi. However, some labs use much more open needles, and the pressures need to be much lower. We recommend the acid etching technique described on our MINJ-PP page in the FAQ section at the bottom to get very sharp needles. The vacuum pressure control is the very small gray knob on the right side of the MINJ-D box. For normal injection, it should be screwed in all the way (clockwise). For a strong vacuum, it should be unscrewed until you hear maximum flow. For fine control of the holding pressure, it should be unscrewed minimally to prevent flow out of the needle tip when a low holding pressure is set.
Q: Is it possible to deliver brief injections (e.g. 100us) every 1s by keeping the foot pedal pressed?
A: The short answer is no. The MINJ-D has a minimum injection time of 100ms (0.1 secs). Even if the valve could switch at speeds in the microsecond range (its minimum switching time is about 10ms, as achieved in our MINJ-FLY) I don't think that it would be meaningful because it would take much longer than that for the air in the tubing and needle holder and pipette to pressurize and depressurize. We have a version of the MINJ-D with a computer interface that would allow it to give repeated pulses, for example every second. The important variable is to get your needle tips to the right opening size such that 100nl comes out at a pressure setting of several psi in less than 0.5 secs. Then you will have good control.
Q: How can I transition from using a laboratory air jet to a Nitrogen tank as the pressure source for a micro injector, such as the MINJ-D?
A: All you have to do is unplug the MINJ-D's input tube from the little regulator and plug it directly into the bigger cylinder regulator. You unplug it by holding in the yellow ring while pulling out the tube. You lock the tube into this kind of fitting by pushing it all the way in and slowing pretending to pull it out while NOT holding in the ring, and the fitting will bite into the tubing. On the cylinder regulator (which is not "self-relieving") the chrome purge valve, pointing toward the bottom, should normally be closed. But, if you need to lower the set pressure, you have to open it a little bit so that the pressure has somewhere to go as you turn the big white pressure knob counter-clockwise- since the injector and needle holder is basically a closed system. Then close the valve after the new, lower pressure is set. Also use the purge valve when finished with an injection session: 1) close cylinder valve 2) open purge valve to drain all pressure (without reducing pressure using the white knob) 3) optionally lower potential pressure by turning white knob counter-clockwise until "looser" for increased safety. For normal use, turn the white knob clockwise so that the output gauge on the cylinder regulator shows the same input pressure for the MINJ-D that the user liked before with the in-line regulator.
†
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High-speed Pneumatic microINJECTOR™
MINJ-FLY:
$3,891.89
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- In Stock
For demanding applications, like injecting drugs and pathogens into adult Drosophila, that require a full-featured and fast microinjection system, Tritech Research offers the MINJ-FLY High-speed Pneumatic microINJECTOR™. In basic microinjection, a hollow needle with a microscopic tip is filled with a liquid, poked into a target, and then temporarily pressurized so as to inject some of the liquid into the target. The variables that determine the amount injected are pressure, time, viscosity of the liquid, and diameter of the needle opening. A simple, practical system for accomplishing this is our MINJ-1 microINJECTOR™ (standard model) or our MINJ-D All-Digital Multi-Pressure microINJECTOR™;. While the MINJ-1, and its line of accessories, help many scientists breeze through their microinjections, some experiments and procedures require a higher level of sophistication, accuracy, and reproducibility which can be better accomplished with the MINJ-D. But some experiments require a faster response times which can be as low as 10 ms with our MINJ-FLY. The MINJ-FLY employs a user-friendly microprocessor to digitally synthesize injection durations reproducibly. Using a simple "Menu" button, and Up and Down buttons, anyone can set the pressures and the injection duration in seconds. It's so intuitive, you won't have to read the directions! You can as well change the mode from injection mode to fill mode and trigger the respective operation with the foot pedal. Here are the key features and specifications of the High-speed Pneumatic microINJECTOR™:
Most compact on the market 6" x 7" x 3" and weighs under 2 lbs. (15cm x 17cm x 7cm and weighs under 1 kg)
Very fast response time between pressures (~10 milliseconds)
Simple 3-button control
Digital display with backlight for easy reading
Microprocessor accuracy
Foot pedal included for hands-free injection control
Electronic Vacuum Generator to front-fill needles by aspiration
Injection Data-logging Port for optional computer interface
Injection Control Port for optional computer control
The MINJ-FLY can be attached directly to a laboratory compressed air jet or attached to a compressed Nitrogen cylinder using a pressure regulator such as our TREG-N2. The system is designed to use a minimum of gas, so even a small cylinder may last for months or years. When ordering, please let us know if you intend to attach your injector to a compressed gas source or an in-house air jet, so that we can provide you with the proper fittings for attachment.
The output of the microINJECTOR needs to be coupled to something. For example, if you're using glass microcapillary needles, our MINJ-4 microINJECTOR™ Brass Straight-Arm Needle Holder will do the job cost-effectively. .
A special version, the MINJ-4FEM, is designed for those that prefer to use Eppendorf® prepulled Femtotips® (that screw on) instead of our own lower-cost MINJ-PP prepulled needles that are compatible with our standard MINJ-4.
Another special version, the MINJ-4SLIP, is designed for those who prefer to use SlipTip® and Luer-Lok® Needles (that push or twist on) instead of our MINJ-PP glass needles.
FAQ's
Q: Is there a way to set holding pressure with the MINJ-FLY microinjector?
A: The MINJ-D has a built-in holding pressure function whereas the MINJ-FLY works much faster because it has a single mechanical pressure regulator preset to the injection pressure. Holding pressure is nearly essential when injecting fish eggs in water because the water will flow back into the needle in between injections without it. However, for injecting C. elegans worms and Drosophila eggs (which are both typically done under oil) there is no significant back-flow into the needle, and a 0 psi holding pressure is typically fine.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
