4.10 20141208
(
)
16
3.1.3.3
Micropipette Type
Some micropipettes (lab-made or purchased ICSI pipettes, for example) are often designed
with an angle close to the tip. This is to allow the micropipette tip to approach the injected
cell from a trajectory parallel to the bottom of the chamber, and to allow the use of a high-
sided dish. Other micropipettes may not have a bend, in which case they must be used with a
flat injection chamber (a depression slide for example) of a low angle of approach.
3.1.3.4
Working Distance
Most microinjection procedures are carried out on an inverted microscope where the
condenser is located above the stage and the objective lenses below. If the microscope was
purchased specifically for microinjection, it was probably supplied with a “long” or “very
long” working distance condenser that should provide adequate space above the stage to set
up the micropipette and accommodate any type of chamber. When setting up the manipulator
adapter plate, the manipulator mechanical and the micropipette holder, carefully observe the
relative positions of the micromanipulator, the microscope stage, and the condenser to avoid
collision by the manipulator.
3.1.3.5
Piezo Impact Drive
For those applications that require the use of a piezo impact drive, the position of the piezo
must be taken into account when aligning the micropipette holder (and also when attaching
the mechanical to the microscope mount). Typically, a piezo device is mounted at the back of
the micropipette holder, and so the holder can be gripped at the very front. A Prime Tech
piezo device can be mounted anywhere along the length of the micropipette holder, either in
front, or behind the micropipette holder clamp.
3.1.4
Memorizing the ‘Work’ Position
This is accomplished by first using the joystick to position the micropipette in the desired
‘Work’ position. Then, press and hold down the ‘Work’ button on the base of the joystick for
approximately three seconds, until a tone is heard. The beep indicates that the position has
been set. A previously set ‘Work’ position can be overwritten with a new position at any time
by repeating this action. The micropipette can be moved to the currently set position by
briefly touching the ‘Work’ key. The movement can be stopped by quickly pressing ‘Work’
again. Pressing the key once more resumes the movement towards the ‘Work’ position. This
process can be repeated until the micropipette reaches the ‘Work’ position. The current
‘Work’ position is preserved in the micromanipulator memory even if it is switched off; it is
advisable to establish a new ‘Work’ position when setting up the position of the micropipette.
3.1.5
Using the ‘Home’ Function
The ‘Home’ function is activated by briefly pressing the yellow ‘Home’ button, the outermost
button of the group of three on the hand-rest of the joystick.
This function is usually used to temporarily remove the micropipette from the injection
chamber (to change dishes, for example), or to exchange micropipettes. Note that a ‘Work’
position must be set (see above) if the micropipette is to be moved back into the position it
was in before the ‘Home’ function was activated. When the ‘Home’ function is activated, the
micropipette will move from its starting position to the ‘Home’ position. This movement can
be halted at any time by briefly pressing ‘Home’ again, or by briefly pressing ‘Work’.
Pressing ‘Home’ once more will resume the movement of the micropipette to the ‘Home’
XENOWORKS MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM (TOUCHDECLUTCH) OPERATION MANUAL – REV.
