(Click to see larger image) 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.
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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? >click here<