Model P2000
Laser Based Puller
The laser based, quartz micropipette puller Model P-2000 is the result of an extensive research and development effort by Sutter Instrument Company. Utilising the proven mechanical system of the Flaming/Brown type pullers in combination with a powerfil CO2 laser and a sophisticated, programmable microprocessor controller, the P-2000 represents a significant advance in the technology of micropipette fabrication . Quartz and synthetically produced fused silica are pure silicon dioxide materials possessing superior qualities for electrophysiological research. (For the purposes of this discussion, the terms quartz and fused silica will be used interchangeably.) Prior use of quartz has been limited because its melting point exceeds that of conventional metal filaments. Using quartz, Sutter Instrument Company has pulled electrodes with tip diameters measuring less than 0.01 um. Quartz pipettes can penetrate tough tissue that would normaly break conventional pipettes. Thin-wall quartz can form tips that can penetrate cells as thick-wall borosilicte, yet the thin wall-quartz will have a larger pore size and therefore lower resistance. Quartz exhibits superior electrical characteristics demonstrated by a low dielectric constant, a low loss factor and a volume resistivitymthat is orders of magnitude greater than than borosilicate.
Because of the above properties, quartz has a superior noise performance when compared to pipettes made from any other glass. With the exception of quartz, all common glasses incorporate metal ions to decrease their melting point. By eliminating these metal ions, recording artifacts and alteration of channel kinetics may be minimised. Optically quartz is virtually free from fluorescence when illuminated. Several factors led to the selection of a laser as the heat source for pipette fabrication. Laser heat is clean; it does not leave an evaporative metal residue on the pipette as do conventional metal filaments. The end user can program the amount of heat (power) to be supplied to the glass and also define the patten of heat distribution along the glass. The laser leaves no residual filament heat; when the laser is turned off heat delivery to the glass stops instantly, eliminating the need for an air jet cooling system. The P-2000 can store upto 100 separate programs, with each program consisting of up to 8 command lines. Programmable parameters include HEAT, PULL STRENGTH, VELOCITY (criterium for the trip point) FILAMENT TYPE, and DELAY (time between the trip point and the hard pull). The P-2000 contains a "RAMP TEST" which initiates a self test to insure proper function and facilitates filament adjustment by reporting recommended heat value for the glass-filament combination.
Two versions of the P-2000 available. One is optimized for use with 1.00 mm outside diameter tubing or rod, other sizes may be used, but the range of pipettes that can be made will be limited. The P-2000 has been redesigned to work with optical fibre or small diameter fused silica capillary. Note that the changes necessary to pull small diameter material can only be performed at the factory. Please specify which version you would like when ordering.
Features
- Though the P-2000 is required for quartz pulling, it can handle both borosilicate and aluminosilicate glasses as well.
- Ease of programmability combined with the freedom of programmable filaments allows one instrument to be used for many different research projects.
- The laser has no melting point limit as with conventional metal filaments and therefore cannot be burned out.
- Pulls electrodes with tip diameters that are less than 0.03um.
- Measures velocity of the system as the glass softens and begins to pull apart under a constant load. The increasing velocity of the initial pull is determined by the viscocity of the glass, which in turn is a function of the glass temperature. The adjustable velocity allows for selection of precise glass temperature as the trip point for the hard pull. (US patent No. 4,600,424)
- The laser is completely contained ensuring the safety to the operator.
- Operating life of the CO2, laser is expected to, be in excess of 10 years with normal use after which the laser can be refurbished by the Sutter Instrument Company for a nominal charge
- Individual programs can be write protected in order to secure them from inadvertent changes.
- The total time that the heat was on during the pull is displayed for improved program develpoment and trouble shooting
.
- A date and time stamp is displayed to show the last time that a program has been changed.
- Modifications can be made to pull smaller diameter fibres as used in fibre optics at no additional cost. (Please specify when ordering)
Quality control
Sutter Instrument Company, as a leader in the production of high quality micropipette pullers, takes great pride in the quality of its products. They maintain a complete scanning electron microscope facility in house to check the performance of each micropipette puller before it is shipped. In the case of each P-2000, each puller is tested by pulling a group of pipettes which is then examined under a scanning electron microscope. All of the pipette tips must measure less than 0.05um (typical results are around 0.03um) before the puller is approved for shipment. Included with each P-2000 is a photogarph of one of the electrodes pulled on that puller.
Specifications and ordering information
Warranty
One year limited warranty for parts and labour. Repairs or modifications must be made at the factory to ensure warranty. Repairs or modification without factory consent as well as misuse or abuse of the instrument can void warranty.
Intracel
Tel 01763 262680 Fax 01763 262676
To Home Page
Feedback Form
enquiries@intracel.co.uk