The PatchMAX 100A is an automated patch clamping system. Armed with precisely controlled motors, data acquisition board with BNC interface control box, software, and a specially designed perfusion chamber, the PatchMAX 100A Automated Patch Clamp System brings the electrodes to touch the cell membrane by resistance feedback. People thus can do patch clamp experiment without the need for a microscope. When used with the ez-gSEAL Pressure Controller, it makes seals automatically.   The system significantly lowers equipment cost and saves lab space.   This system relieves researchers from the most labor-intensive part of these experiments and significantly increases productivity.  It can be upgraded to a ChannelMAX 100A system, which can be used for both patch clamp and two-electrode voltage clamp.

Key Features

Incredibly small footprint

This patent-pending design has an 8" x 8" footprint; it is the smallest multi-function patch clamp system available.  The automated patch clamping system replaces the microscope and the manipulator in the traditional rig.  Complete with one automated manipulator, a manual XY stage, a data acquisition board & control system, and a perfusion chamber with the platform, this system can automatically guide electrode to make a seal on oocytes, suspended cells and cells on cover slips.

Automatic membrane detection

The specially designed perfusion chamber guarantees that when oocyte or cells are dropped into the chamber, it always reaches the known position.  The tip of the pipette can reach this position with an accuracy of 0.05 mm, assuming the tip of the pipette is perfectly concentric.  The movement of the patch pipette is controlled by a computer and can be programmed to stop when the tip touches the cell membrane. 

High seal success rate

The pipette positioning system provides widely different approach speeds and proximity criteria, allowing the researcher to fine tune the process for the perfect seal.  The computer controlled system eliminates human errors so the success rate of making gigaohm seals using the PatchMAX 100A is over 90%.

Save and reuse sealing parameters

The approach and sealing parameters can be saved and reused.  Once you have found the perfect set of parameters, you can save it to a file for use at other times, or by other researchers.  When a new person joins the lab, he will be able to learn the patch clamp technique simply by using the saved lab protocols.

Noise-free recording

The system is noise-free during recording.   The motorized stage is tuned so that the electrode is stationary when the power is turned off.  You will be able to do single channel recording without worrying about noise from the motor.

Low drift

The two modular dovetail linear stages allow you to set, lock and forget.  They are less susceptible to shock and vibration.  The motorized stage can hold its micro-step position (50 nm resolution) overnight, even without current!  The patch pipette is fixed by a supporting arm so even when the electrode holder is touched, the tip of the patch pipette does not move much.  Due to the fact that there are very few moving parts in the system, the device exhibits very low drift.

Less labor-intensive and vibration free

With the PatchMAX 100A, patch clamp experiments become less stressful and labor-intensive.  Since the manipulator is controlled by a computer, you do not need to touch the manipulator during the experiment.  Your computer will control the process of excising a patch in a manner that is precise and always reproducible.

Use standard glass electrodes

Unlike the conventional high-throughput systems, this system does not use expensive "seal chips."  Instead, standard glass electrodes are used.  All of your techniques with fabricating patch pipettes still apply, and the cost of the experiment is low.

Manual control mode

Not only can you run the protocol for making a seal, but you can also control the manipulator manually as easily as clicking a mouse.  Thus the manipulator can act like a traditional manual manipulator.  The manipulator comes with a standard mount so it can be removed for other type of experiments.

Rapid solution change

Two specially designed perfusion chambers allow fast solution change. Detailed information is available in the Accessories page.

System Specifications

Major Components One micro-manipulator, which includes a motorized linear stage and a manual XY stage Perfusion chamber I and platform One PCI data acquisition board with BNC interface Mechanical error: < ± 0.05 mm Dimension: 8 in x 8 in x 9.5 in Weight: 8 lb Line voltage: 100 VAC to 120 VAC, or 220 VAC to 240 VAC Motorized Stage Travel: 28 mm Resolution: 0.05 µm Maximum speed: 4 mm/s Lowest speed: 0.5 µm/s Serial/USB interface

Manual XY Stage Modular Dovetail Linear Stages Set, lock, and forget; less susceptible to shock and vibration 0.5 in travel Data Acquisition Board Sixteen analog inputs, 16-bit, 250 kS/s, Input Impedance: > 10 GΩ in parallel with 100pF Two 16-bit analog outputs, 740 kS/s per channel.  Output impedance: 0.2 Ω 24 digital I/O lines, 32-bit counters; digital triggering Analog input range: ± 10 V Analog output range: ± 10 V Perfusion Chamber Accepts 1/16" tubing

Computer Requirements

Windows 7, 8 and 10 with 2.0 GHz CPU

At least 1 USB port

1 PCI slot

US Price

$12,800.00

Contact us for international pricing.