For information regarding our journey from "Adamant Namiki Precision Jewel Co." to "Orbray Co." Please click here

Cell Membrane Observation Device

Born from the needs of a researcher

Cell Membrane Observation Device

Product overview

This product was born from the needs of a researcher who wanted to fix and observe cell membranes by using Φ2μm micro-hole array in silica glass. (This development is a collaboration with Associate Professor Takashi Okuno, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University.) By fixing cell membranes on a micro-hole array via suction, quantitative analysis of membrane protein can be done on an extremely tiny sample with an optical microscope.

The following video shows the actual images of HeLa cell membranes using the observation device and a fluorescence microscope.

Reference:

The 53rd Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society of Japan 2015.9.15  “Development of new device for manipulation of giant plasma membrane vesicles”, K. Sato, T. Nakaya, R. Sakane, C. Sakamoto, T. Okuno


Provided by Associate Professor Takashi Okuno, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University

Operation principles

First, target sample cells are treated with a chemical solution and cell membranes are generated. Then the cell membrane suspension is prepared. (Please see the reference for protocol details.)

Micro-hole chip is set in the holder. The holder is connected to a vacuum pump via suction tube. Height of the chip (distance between the chip and a dish) can be adjusted by a z axis stage.

Cell membrane suspension is pipetted into the dish.

Desired pressure is selected on the computer, and suction started with the vacuum pump. The cell membranes are fixed at the micro-hole array.

Application examples

In this video, Φ6μm styrene beads are used to demonstrate cell alignment.

Provided by Associate Professor Takashi Okuno, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University

There are also other various applications in bio-research. This video shows fixing and observation of Tetrahymena.

Provided by Associate Professor Kentaro Nakano, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba

We have demonstration machines available to test the cell membrane observation device, so please feel free to contact us. Micro-hole designs are also customizable.

Specifications

Specifications
Micro-hole chip Hole diameter 0.5μm∼20μm
Hole length ≥ 0.2mm
Aspect ratio 100
Hole shape Straight, tapered, hemispherical recess (see femtosecond laser)
Material Silica glass
Standard chip
  • Diameter: Φ2μm
  • Length: 0.2mm
  • Hole quantity: 6 x 8=48 holes
  • Pitch: 40μm
  • Outer dimensions: 10mmx10mmx0.2mmt
Customized chip Hole diameter, layout, etc. can be customized. Please feel free to contact us.
Chip holder for microscope Transparent window For phase-contrast microscope observation
Glass base dish Compatible with Φ35mm diameter dish
Z axis stage For height adjustment of the micro-hole chip
Suitable microscope Olympus, Nikon (for other makes, please contact us)
Outer dimensions 170mm x 130mm x 58mmH
Weight 0.3kg
Suction pump Suction pressure -1kPa∼-40kPa
Pressure adjustment resolution 1kPa
Maximum flow rate 2L/min
Control software Pressure adjustment slide, pressure selection button, pressure increment/decrement
Control PC Laptop computer (not necessary if you have a computer. One USB port is needed.)
Outer dimensions 247mm x 160mm x 95mm
Weight 1.8kg
Power source AC100V∼250V
Applications Cell membrane observation, cell manipulation

Contact

*If you cannot find the contact form, please click here.

☎

Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00 JST+81-3-3919-2200

✉

Online Contact