Electrophysiology is the study of the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues. It involves measurements of voltage change or electric current on a wide variety of scales from single ion channel proteins to whole organs.
Formed in 1997, Scientifica specialises in supplying innovative, high quality products that offer many benefits to research using electrophysiology and associated techniques. Listening carefully to our customers requirements and thinking laterally around a problem, has meant that the company’s product range is used from simple to the most demanding applications.
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PatchStar Micromanipulator
The PatchStar is an ultra stable, super smooth micromanipulator. With X, Y, Z and a virtual approach axis the PatchStar is perfect for a wide range of electrophysiological techniques. The PatchStar micromanipulator can be used as a single unit, as a Double PatchStar or combined with others to make a complete electrophysiology workstation: The PatchPro.
Key Features
Ultra stable micromanipulator- Drifts less than 1 micron over 2 hours
Electrically Silent so no need to switch the motors off. Nanoresolution (20nm) means exeptionally smooth movement.
20mm of High and Patch Speed motion for contolable positioning. Revolutionary "Smart Sensor" detects the angle of your headstage, this gives an additional virtual approach axis at no extra cost.
Multiplex up to 12 manipulators from a single 4U rack.
Wide choice of user control device - Control Cube, Joystick or PatchPad.
Includes sliding bracket and 2 rotation stages for easy pipette exchange.
Designed and built in collaboration with electrophysiologists.
PatchStar Micromanipulator from Scientifica for Patch Clamping Electrophysiology
LBM-7 Manual Manipulator
The LBM-7 Manual Manipulator was designed and developed in conjunction with scientists to achieve absolute practicality, accuracy and increased productivity, bridging the gap between course manipulators and micromanipulators. Seven axes of movement, four linear and three rotational, combine with a margin of error smaller than 1µm, to provide the complete positioning tool for scientists.
Built to Scientifica’s trademark standard of reliability, precision and durability, the LBM-7 manual manipulator offers real world performance and flexibility.
Applications
Positioning stimulating electrodes
Inserting extracellular recording probes
Aligning perfusion systems
Impaling Oocytes with two electrodes
Key Features
Smooth, stable and predictable adjustments
Movement along seven axes, four linear and three rotational, for fast and accurate positioning and high productivity
Sensitivity <1µm for total control
No backlash; minimal drift
Can be easily changed between left and right-handed operation
The SliceScope defines a new bench mark in imaging and electrophysiology research. Developed in collaboration with world leading researchers, the SliceScope provides an ultra stable, compact platform with outstanding optics. The SliceScope’s smart design is ready to accept a wide range of accessories and light sources to best suit your application.
Based around the industry standard Olympus BX51/61-WI optics, the SliceScope has been designed to suit many applications. Techniques include: Patch Clamping, Sharp Electrode Recording, Microinjection, Stretch Testing and other procedures requiring delicate control and outstanding image clarity.
Inspired design together with high quality components guarantee super smooth motion, long term stability and intuitive control. For your demanding applications, the SliceScope offers the most cost effective choice for both now and in the future.
Price - Motor control at near manual price
Motorized focus control - gives remote fingertip focus control
Motorized condenser control - for optimal Koehler illumination
Narrow, Ultra stable profile - extra room for equipment around your experiment
Low noise electronics - suitable for demanding single channel recordings
Choice of contrast - Oblique, IR DIC and Dodt Contrast
In vivo & In vitro - can be configured and converted between the two
Easy pipette exchange - increased productivity and reproducible positioning
Modular design - easily configured into a user built 2P or confocal design
Unique "follow" software module - update LinLab to keep your pipettes within field of view as you move around your sample.
Choice of accessories - customise your SliceScope to suit your experiments needs.
"We have been very pleased with the Slicescope. It has all the best optical qualities of a top-flight microscope, pared down to the absolute essentials needed for patch-clamp electrophysiology, and then rebuilt with many highly useful features including motorised focus and condenser. It is highly stable and has a minimal footprint, clearly the result of listening to the experimenter's needs comined with clever design." D.M. Kullmann, UCL Institute of Neurology - London
SliceScope Microscope Overview for Electrophysiology and Life Sciences
SliceScope Pro Motorisation for Electrophysiology and Life Sciences
SliceScope In Vitro and In Vivo in one Microscope for Electrophysiology and Life Sciences
The Moveable Top Plate Platform
The Movable Top Plate has been designed to allow you to combine Electrophysiology with a range of imaging techniques. Designed to fit around any upright microscope the Movable Top Plate offers extra smooth movement allowing you to scan your sample whilst still recording from Patched Cells.
Can be used to combine electrophysiology with confocal/multiphoton microscopy. Absolute stability comes as standard allowing for long term experiments.
The Movable Top Plate is compatible with ALL major upright fixed stage microscopes, so will add to your existing or new system. Large bearings for super smooth movement allows scanning of sample whilst still retaining patched cells.
Compatible with all major manipulators allowing you to add existing or new units.
Eliminating environmental interference through vibrations and other sources is of paramount importance in the scientific experiment. Now you can have greater stability and precision with Scientifica’s Universal Post and Platform, a stable and accurate mounting base for manipulators and other precision devices.
Use Scientifica’s Universal Post and Platform alongside any upright or inverted microscope for a stable and consistent flexible mounting system.
The Post and Platform (P&P) Mount is available in three options:
P&P with Screw-down base The precision-tapped screw-down base can be fixed to any metric or inch spaced laboratory table offering total rigidity.
P&P with Magnetic base Three magnets, each with 75kg holding force, anchor firmly to and are easily positioned on both smooth and holed table tops.
P&P with sample plate holder The P&P with sample plate holder is ideal for holding tissue samples and is available with either a magnetic or screw down base.
Applications
Widely used to support a wide range of manipulators and other devices for patch clamp and sharp electrode recordings, they are often used in a pair for two electrode recordings, where total stability is essential.
Key features
Solid, durable construction of stainless steel and aluminium
Resists vibration interference with experiments
Height and horizontal angle are fully adjustable
All moveable parts are fitted with quick-release locks
Magnetic or screw-down base
Mechanical stops for perfect replication of position
Combine Electrophysiology with a range of imaging techniques. Designed to fit around any upright microscope the Motorised Movable Top Plate offers extra smooth remote control movement allowing you to scan your sample whilst still recording from Patched Cells. Includes up to 50 selectable memory positions in X, Y and focus.
The Motorised Movable Top Plate:
Can be used to combine electrophysiology with confocal / multiphoton microscopy.
Absolute stability comes as standard allowing for long term experiments.
Compatible with ALL major upright fixed stage microscopes, so will add to your existing or new system.
Large bearings for super smooth movement allows scanning of sample whilst still retaining patched cells.
Compatible with all major manipulators allowing you to add existing or new units. Up to 50 selectable memory positions in X Y AND focus allow return to a position at the push of a button.
Low noise electronic system with a cube, joystick or software control.
