Nikon Ti-U Inverted Fluorescence and DIC Microscope Electrophysiology Rig with Sutter MP-285 and HEKA EPC 10 Patch Clamp

The Nikon Ti-U Electrophysiology Rig is a precision-configured inverted microscope system optimized for combined fluorescence microscopy, differential interference contrast (DIC) imaging, and advanced electrophysiology applications. This rig integrates the following components to support sophisticated neuroscience, molecular biology, and biotechnology research workflows, including live-cell imaging, electrical recording, and patch clamp studies essential for molecular diagnostics and synthetic biology investigations:

• Microscope Base: Nikon Eclipse Ti-U inverted microscope designed for biological and material science samples; supports detailed observation of live cells within culture flasks, Petri dishes, and slides.
• Optical Techniques:
• Fluorescence microscopy including three included new filter sets (DAPI, FITC/EGFP, TRITC/Cy3) with motorized 6-position filter turret enabling multiplexed fluorochrome imaging typical in bioprocessing and gene editing investigations.
• Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy for enhanced contrast of transparent, unstained specimens common in cell imaging and biomedical engineering.
• Brightfield illumination using PRIOR LED system and options for phase contrast and polarization upon customization.
• Micromanipulation: Sutter MP-285 micromanipulator with stage controller and joystick offering precise, submicrometer manipulation critical for patch clamp electrophysiology in neuroscience and electrophysiological characterization of cells.
• Electrophysiology Amplification: HEKA EPC 10 USB digital patch clamp amplifier with included PatchMaster software and license dongle providing high-fidelity electrical recording capability, widely adopted in molecular diagnostics and electrophysiological assays.
• Imaging Hardware: Bestscope 8.3MP color CMOS camera for acquisition of high-resolution still images and live video, compatible with imaging software for detailed analysis, annotation, and measurement of biological samples.
• Environmental and Mechanical Isolation:
• Included Faraday cage for electromagnetic interference shielding essential for accurate electrophysiological measurements.
• TMC Anti-Vibration table utilizing Gimbal Piston Air Isolators to minimize mechanical vibrations, ensuring stable imaging and recording conditions.
• Mechanical Stage: XY mechanical stage with 70 x 50 mm travel range, supporting diverse sample formats such as microplates and dishes.
• Objectives: Standard set includes 4x/0.13 Plan Fluor, 10x/0.30 Plan Fluor DIC, and high-quality 20x/0.75 Plan Apo VC Nikon APO CFI60 objective, with optional upgrades for enhanced magnification up to 1000x, meeting requirements for high-resolution cellular and subcellular imaging.
• Illumination Sources:
• EXFO X-Cite 120 Metal Halide fluorescence light source with collimating adapter and light guide for stable excitation across multiple fluorochromes.
• PRIOR Brightfield LED illumination for clear transmitted light imaging.
• Software and Connectivity: Compatible with PatchMaster v2x92 for electrophysiology data acquisition and multiple imaging analysis packages; supports communication between microscope hardware and controllers.
• Customization Options:
• Addition of advanced CCD, sCMOS, EMCCD cameras for enhanced imaging in biotechnology and biomedical fields.
• Additional fluorescence filters and upgraded light sources (Xenon, Metal Halide, LED) tailored to specific fluorochrome panels.
• Motorized XY stage and alternative inverted microscope bases (Zeiss Axio Observer, Olympus IX series) available to suit diverse research environments.
• Applications: Suitable for fluorescence labeling and imaging, electrophysiological patch clamp studies, cellular and molecular biology research, neuroscience, pharmacology, biomanufacturing quality control, and biotechnology laboratories requiring stable and flexible live-cell imaging platforms with electrical recording capabilities.

This Nikon Ti-U electrophysiology rig combines robust manual control with precise micromanipulation and patch clamp recording in a vibration-isolated, electromagnetically shielded environment. Its configuration supports demanding biotechnological workflows including gene editing validation, synthetic biology experiments, and molecular diagnostics requiring integrated optical and electrophysiological analysis. The rig is supplied fully serviced with technical consultation, remote training, and warranty coverage, making it a reliable platform for academic and industry research facilities focused on advanced cell imaging and electrophysiology.

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