The PatchMAX 100B is an advanced patch clamping system designed for automated experiments. The system consists of precisely controlled motors, a data acquisition board with a BNC interface control box, software, and a specially designed perfusion chamber. The primary advantage of the PatchMAX 100B is its ability to bring electrodes to the cell membrane by resistance feedback, eliminating the need for a microscope during patch clamp experiments, and thus reduce the cost.

Additionally, the system can be used with the ez-gSEAL 100B Pressure Controller, which automatically seals the cell membrane. This relieves researchers from the labor-intensive part of these experiments, significantly increasing productivity.

Lastly, the system can be upgraded to a ChannelMAX 100B, which supports both patch clamp and two-electrode voltage clamp experiments, further expanding its applications. Overall, the PatchMAX 100B is an excellent tool for researchers who require a cost-effective, automated, and high-throughput patch clamping system for their experiments.

Key Features

Versatile system with small footprint

The PatchMAX is a highly efficient and versatile automated patch clamp system that is ideal for use on oocytes and culture cells. It is the smallest multi-function system available. With an 8" x 8" footprint, and it replaces both the microscope and manipulator in the traditional rig, streamlining the experimental process.

The system features an automated manipulator, a manual XY stage, a data acquisition board and control system, and a perfusion chamber with platform, providing precise guidance for electrodes to make a seal on oocytes, suspended cells, and cells on cover slips. The PatchMAX can be used for whole-cell, cell-attached, inside-out, and outside-out patches, making it a highly versatile tool for conducting patch clamp experiments.

In addition, the manipulator can be detached and mounted on a microscope. If purchased with the ezPatch 100A Micromanipulator option, then it comes with controlable XY stage for easy manipulation.

Overall, the PatchMAX is a reliable, precise, and versatile tool for researchers conducting patch clamp experiments, making it an excellent choice for anyone working with oocytes and culture cells.

Automatic membrane detection

The PatchMAX system features a specially designed purfusion chamber that ensures oocytes or cells always reach a known position when dropped into the chamber. The tip of the pipette can accurately reach this position with a precision of 0.05 mm, assuming the tip is perfectly concentric. The computer-controlled movement of the patch pipette can also be programmed to stop when the tip touches the cell membrane, providing further accuracy and control during experiments.

High seal success rate

The PatchMAX 100B features a pipette positioning system that offers a wide range of approach speeds and proximity criteria, giving researchers the flexibility to fine-tune the process to achieve the perfect seal. The computer-controlled system eliminates human errors, increasing the success rate of making gigaohm seals. This high success rate ensures that researchers can obtain reliable and accurate data for their experiments, saving valuable time and resources.

Save and reuse sealing parameters

The PatchMAX 100B system allows researchers to save the approach and sealing parameters used during experiments. This feature enables users to store the optimal set of parameters to a file, which can be easily accessed and reused at any time by other researchers. This functionality not only saves time by eliminating the need to fine-tune the process for every experiment, but it also facilitates the learning process for new lab members.

By using the saved lab protocols, new lab members can easily learn the patch clamp technique without having to spend significant time and effort to identify the optimal parameters for every experiment. This feature improves the efficiency of the lab and reduces the training time and effort required for new lab members. Overall, the ability to save and reuse approach and sealing parameters is a valuable feature of the PatchMAX 100B system that enhances the efficiency and productivity of the lab.

Noise-free recording

The PatchMAX 100B system provides a noise-free environment during recording. The motorized stage is hold by friction when stationary, allowing researchers to perform single-channel recording without worrying about noise from the motor. This feature enhances the accuracy and reliability of patch clamp experiments.

Drift is not an issue

Researchers may experience drift issues during patch clamp experiments. A drift of just one micrometer could compromise the entire experiment. However, in most of our patch clamp configurations, cells/patches are in suspension, making drift a non-issue.

Use standard glass electrodes

The PatchMAX system uses standard glass electrodes instead of expensive "seal chips" commonly used in conventional high-throughput systems. This allows researchers to use their existing techniques for fabricating patch pipettes to the required sizes, significantly reducing the cost of conducting patch clamp experiments. The system offers increased flexibility and accessibility, making it a more affordable option for researchers.

Manual control mode

The PatchMAX system allows for both automated and manual control of the manipulator, providing users with the flexibility to perform traditional manual manipulator tasks as well. This is achieved through an intuitive interface that can be controlled with a mouse. Additionally, the manipulator comes with a standard mount that allows for easy removal and use in other types of experiments.

Rapid solution change

Two optional specially designed perfusion chambers are available for the PatchMAX, which allow for fast solution change. For more information about these chambers, please refer to the Accessories page and Fast perfusion 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: 25.4 mm Resolution: 0.062 µm Maximum speed: 26 mm/s Lowest speed: 0.076 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 - USB6212 Sixteen analog inputs, 16-bit, 400 kS/s, Input Impedance: > >10 GΩ in parallel with 100pF Two 16-bit analog outputs, 250 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 10 and 11

At least 2 USB ports

US Price

PatchMAX: $11,597.00
USB-6212 board: $1,903.00

Contact us for international pricing.