microINJECTOR™ All-Digital Positive Displacement System
MINJ-PD:
$2,702.70
†
- In Stock
For applications that require a specific volume to be delivered or aspirated in the nanoliter / microliter / milliliter range, at a defined rate, Tritech Research offers the motorized MINJ-PD Digital Positive Displacement microINJECTOR™. Unlike most other microinjection controllers, this system does not require attachment to a gas cylinder, pump, or compressed air line. It works like an electronic syringe pump and is completely self-contained.
With the injection volume and speed set in advance, this motor-driven microinjector injects very small volumes of liquid with precision control via a foot switch, leaving both hands free for micromanipulation and focusing the microscope. In addition to fixed injection volumes, there is also a Manual Mode that allows the user to inject without knowing the volume in advance. In Manual Mode, the MINJ-PD displays a tally of the amount injected.
The MINJ-PD was originally designed for stem cell injection into blastocysts, and is now used for stem cell injections into human spinal cords. We're proud to say that (while For Research Use Only) it is currently the only FDA-listed device for injecting neural cells into the spinal cords of ALS patients and people with spinal cord injuries by the scientists at Neuralstem, Inc. and their collaborators worldwide. This injector is also used for micro-perfusion and delivery of drugs, neurotransmitters, and vectors to brain, retina, and cultured cells in neurobiology, for injecting insects in pathogen studies, and for many other applications. In 2017, we revised the hardware and firmware to support smoother, more precise delivery, easier loading of sterile syringes, and to add a Pressure Mode.
In addition to the original Positive-Displacement Mode, where the MINJ-PD syringe, tubing, etc. are filled with liquid for hydraulic action, a new Pressure Mode allows the MINJ-PD to be partially or completely air-filled for pneumatic injection control without the need of an external pressure source! In this mode, when you push the foot pedal, the syringe advances to create a positive pressure that makes things flow from the needle; when you release the pedal, the syringe returns to its neutral position to stop the injection flow. Inversely, the unit can be used to aspirate.
There are distinct advantages to Positive-Displacement Mode vs. Pressure Mode. In Positive-Displacement Mode, it is possible to set a specific delivery volume and delivery rate. Unfortunately, this is only practical for volumes over 1 µL because thermal expansion, elasticity, etc., become significant compared with volumes smaller than this. Pressure Mode can deliver volumes arbitrarily small, for example in the picoliter range, but the actual volume will be determined by the pressure, time, needle hole size, and viscosity of the the substance.
For stem cell injection, a special built-in Agitation Mode helps to prevent cells from clumping and settling on the wall of the needle between injections.
The MINJ-PD employs the same user-friendly microprocessor interface as the MINJ-D. It digitally synthesizes injecting / aspirating volume and speed, as well as agitating volume and speed, reproducibly. Using a simple "Menu" button, and Plus and Minus buttons, anyone can set the volumes and the speeds in seconds. Here are the key features and specifications of the Positive Displacement Digital microINJECTOR:
Most compact and robust on the market
6" x 7" x 3" and weighs under 2 lbs.
(15cm x 17cm x 7cm and weighs under 1 kg)
Simple 3-button control
Digital display with backlight for easy reading
Microprocessor accuracy
Foot pedal included for hands-free injection control
Programmable Injection volume: 0.01 - 50.0uL (with 100 uL syringe)
Injection volume up to 400 uL with 500 uL syringe)
Programmable Injection speed: 0.2 - 250.0s/uL
Programmable Agitation volume: 0.1 - 25.0uL
Programmable Agitation speed: 0.2 - 25.0s/uL
Manual Injection Mode
New "Pressure Mode"
New syringe holder for quick change of pre-loaded and/orsterile syringes
Optional Bi-directional Computer Interface for full automation
Optional TTL trigger for automated injection
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. Please note that, for use with the MINJ-PD, a special version of all MINJ-4 variations will be supplied that uses a gas-tight swage fitting and terminates in a Luer/Slip fitting to attach conveniently to the MINJ-PD's syringe. The pictures below show the MINJ-4 variations with a quick-connect fitting that looks a bit different than what you will receive.
An autoclavable option with similar capabilities to the MINJ-4 is Narishige's IM-H1.
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.
Here are videos that shows how to use all the functions of and to load the MINJ-PD:
†
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Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
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High-speed Pneumatic microINJECTOR™
MINJ-FLY:
$3,891.89
†
- 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.
microINJECTOR™ All-Digital Multi-pressure System
MINJ-D:
$3,237.84
†
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.
†
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™ 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.
3/32nd inch (2.4mm) O.D. Tubing for microINJECTOR® (per meter)
$16.22
†
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.
