Scientifica MicroStar Micromanipulator
Scientifica MicroStar Micromanipulator
Scientifica MicroStar Micromanipulator
Scientifica MicroStar Micromanipulator

Scientifica MicroStar Micromanipulator

The ultimate motorised micromanipulator for network studies and long-term recordings on small cells and dendrites.

A motorised micromanipulator with three axes of mechanical movement and a further virtual ‘approach’ axis, designed for intricate in vitro electrophysiology recordings. Record from multiple points simultaneously and determine connections between cells and subcellular structures, thanks to the slimline design. The electrical and audible quietness of the MicroStar makes it perfect for sensitive recordings, such as single channel recordings.

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Product benefits

Fine movement control

The high electronic resolution of the MicroStar creates smooth movement, without any uncontrolled motion, making the MicroStar perfect for accurate patching of small cells or dendrites.

Detect small signals

Zero electrical noise means the MicroStar will not produce any noise that interferes with or masks the signal. This makes the MicroStar extremely sensitive and able to detect small signals, for example during single channel recordings.

Perform demanding long-term research

Long-term potentiation studies on small cells and dendrites are made easy, thanks to the high stability of the MicroStar, with minimal drift.

Maximised reach of cells in your sample

The long travel in X, Y and Z axes means you can easily reach cells, and don’t need to worry about running out of travel when patching.

Easy speed adjustment

For greater control of pipette positioning and patching, switch between fast speed for coarse positioning and patch speed for making the patch. The speeds of each setting can also be adjusted within LinLab software.

Simply switch configurations

The modular design of the MicroStar means it is quick and simple to switch between left and right-handed configurations. This makes it easy to mount the micromanipulator on both sides of the sample.

Customise to suit your experiments

The large range of accessories available with the MicroStar means you can fully customise the micromanipulator to suit your specific research.

Effortlessly adjust your approach angle

The rotary stage and wide range of brackets available make it simple to adjust your approach angle and height to suit your application and sample.

Virtual 4th approach axis

The approach axis is truly calculated using the angle sensor in the axis and moves the X and Z axes in the required proportions. This maximises accuracy and prevents the need for manual calculations.

Easy and repeatable pipette exchange

Fast pipette movement and exchange is made easy by the sliding bracket and rotational stages. You can exchange pipettes without moving the manipulator, preventing other patches from being disrupted when performing multiple recordings, as well as enabling pipette access when space is limited.

Suitable for multipoint network studies

Due to the slimline nature of the MicroStar, you can fit several manipulators around your sample, making multiple patching set-ups easier.

Scientifica MicroStar Micromanipulator

Suitable for multipoint network studies

The slimline micromanipulator

Designed for network experiments, the slimline design of the MicroStar means multiple manipulators can be placed around a single sample. By patching multiple cells simultaneously, connections between cells can be identified and data can be collected faster. The compact design is also ideal for setups with limited space.

Intuitive control options and software

Operate the MicroStar via our ergonomically designed remote control options or through our specially designed LinLab software.

You can fully customise and control the speed, memory positions, and step control, depending on your research demands. Two speed settings provide exceptional positioning control and can be toggled at the flick of a switch; fast speed for coarse positioning, and patch speed for making the patch. The speed of each setting can also be adjusted within LinLab. Memory positions held on the controller or LinLab software can return the manipulator to a specific cell of interest if you need to replace your pipette mid-experiment.

The angle of the 4th virtual approach axis can be viewed or manually set in LinLab. It is automatically calculated using a built-in angle sensor, ensuring the required angle is achieved for accuracy and ease-of-use. LinLab also enables the approach angle to be replicated on the same micromanipulator, or on others on the same system, once the ideal approach angle has been achieved.

Testimonials

“The MicroStar micromanipulators are incredibly solid and easy to install. The slim design allowed us to install four different MicroStars with room for more. We consistently manage to maintain the patched cell for up to two hours, while applying stimulation through a separate electrode attached to another MicroStar.”

Dr Vincenzo Mastrolia
King College London

"The low drift of these manipulators allows us to hold patches for over an hour and the noise-free electronics enables us to record the smallest of connection signals better."

Dr Thomas Mrsic-Flogel
UCL

"The small size of the MicroStar manipulators allowed us to fit more manipulators around the rig, improving the yield of the experiments."

Dr Ho Ko
UCL

Scientifica services for this product

Free Lab Consultations

Your Scientifica specialist can help optimise your lab through a free lab consultation, providing advice on the equipment best suited to your planned experiments and lab space.

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Demonstrations

Scientifica offer product demonstrations, allowing you to ask questions, learn about the multiphoton system and its applications, and see it for yourself.

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Customisations

Our range of modular parts enable us to tailor our systems to suit your unique research. These can be customised at the point of purchase or later in the lab.

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Warranty & Exchange Programme

Scientifica offer a two-year warranty with all Scientifica manufactured goods and a one-year warranty for third party supplied goods. Giving you peace of mind when purchasing your Scientifica equipment.

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Layer V pyramidal neurons in the V1 cortex acquired on a multipatch setup by Dr. Hovy Wong in the lab of Dr. Jesper Sjöström.

Applications

  • Patch clamp electrophysiology
  • In vivo electrophysiology
  • Neural probe positioning
  • Multielectrode recordings
  • Microinjection
  • Extracellular/field recordings
  • Intracellular/whole cell recordings
  • Two-electrode voltage clamp
  • Stimulation electrode
  • Picospritzer
  • Electrical engineering experiments
  • Cell interaction studies
  • Mechanical studies
  • Scanning ion conductance microscopy

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