NEUROINDX UnipicK, UnipicK Plus & A-picK Universal Single-Cell and Tissue Microdissection Systems

Overview

The NEUROINDX UnipicK family of microdissection systems comprises three interoperable platforms—UnipicK, UnipicK Plus, and A-picK—engineered for precision, viability-preserving isolation of single cells, clonal populations, and histologically intact tissue fragments directly from culture vessels or tissue sections. These systems operate on a patented pulsed negative-pressure principle, using calibrated glass capillaries as non-contact, minimally invasive sampling probes. Unlike laser-capture or enzymatic dissociation methods, the UnipicK platform avoids thermal damage, chemical perturbation, or shear-induced stress, enabling recovery of metabolically active, transcriptionally intact cells suitable for live-cell imaging, functional assays, and multi-omics downstream workflows (e.g., scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, single-cell proteomics, and clonal expansion). All variants are designed for seamless integration with standard inverted microscopy platforms—including Olympus CKX41/51 and IX-series—and comply with ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing practices for research-use-only (RUO) instrumentation.

Key Features

• Pulsed vacuum actuation ensures controlled, repeatable aspiration without clogging or capillary tip deformation—critical for maintaining cellular integrity during isolation.
• UnipicK Plus introduces dual-pressure control (negative for aspiration; positive for dispensing), eliminating manual capillary detachment and syringe transfer—reducing contamination risk and operator variability.
• Full digital signal architecture provides real-time feedback on capillary Z-position (±0.5 µm resolution), applied pressure (mbar range), dwell time, and cycle count—enabling protocol reproducibility across operators and labs.
• Three adjustable vertical translation speeds facilitate rapid calibration and fine-tuned positioning over heterogeneous samples (e.g., adherent neurons, loosely attached organoids, or fibroblast monolayers).
• Touchscreen interface with dedicated hardware shortcut keys streamlines workflow execution in GLP-compliant environments where keyboard-free operation is preferred.
• Integrated adhesion force estimation algorithm leverages pressure-duration profiles to derive relative cell-substrate binding strength—a quantitative parameter useful in mechanobiology and metastasis studies.
• A-picK adds motorized XYZ stage compatibility (Marzhauser Wetzlar SCAN IM 120 × 80 mm) and PICKCELLS™ software, enabling coordinate-based, fully automated serial collection into 48-well plates with positional traceability and audit-ready logging.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UnipicK systems accommodate diverse biological matrices: suspension and adherent mammalian cells (including primary neurons, iPSC-derived lineages, and immune subsets), 2D/3D cultured organoids, cryosectioned or paraffin-embedded tissue slices (post-deparaffinization), and ex vivo explants. Capillary inner diameters (1–20 µm) are selectable per application—ensuring compatibility with small-diameter cells (e.g., hematopoietic progenitors) and larger structures (e.g., cortical layer fragments). The platform meets essential requirements for RUO instrumentation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex A (electronic records/audit trails) when used with PICKCELLS™ software; data export supports CSV, TIFF, and JSON formats for integration with LIMS and ELN systems. All models conform to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and IEC 61010-1 (safety for laboratory equipment).

Software & Data Management

UnipicK and UnipicK Plus utilize embedded firmware with local parameter storage and USB export of acquisition logs (timestamp, Z-height, pressure profile, cycle index). A-picK extends this capability via PICKCELLS™—a Windows-based application supporting experimental design import (via coordinate CSV), real-time visual mapping of target cells on live microscope feeds, and deterministic sample deposition routing. The software maintains full audit trails compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available), including user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable session logs. Exported metadata includes instrument ID, firmware version, environmental timestamp, and capillary calibration history—facilitating cross-lab method validation per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.

Applications

• Single-cell cloning for monoclonal antibody development and CRISPR-edited line derivation.
• Viable neuron or glial cell isolation from mixed cortical cultures for electrophysiology or metabolic phenotyping.
• Spatially resolved sampling of tumor margin vs. core regions in FFPE sections for intra-tumoral heterogeneity profiling.
• Isolation of rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from microfluidic capture devices for functional expansion.
• Targeted retrieval of GFP+ reporter cells from mosaic transgenic zebrafish or mouse brain slices.
• Pre-analytical preparation for spatial transcriptomics where regional annotation must be preserved prior to lysis.

FAQ

Can UnipicK systems be validated for GMP-regulated workflows?
While classified as RUO instruments, UnipicK Plus and A-picK support IQ/OQ documentation packages and integrate with 21 CFR Part 11–compliant ELN systems via PICKCELLS™ audit logs—enabling qualification in early-phase bioprocess development.
What capillary types are supported?
Standard borosilicate glass capillaries (World Precision Instruments, Sutter Instrument); custom pull parameters available upon request for specialized geometries.
Is sterilization of the capillary assembly possible between runs?
Yes—capillaries are disposable or autoclavable (121°C, 20 min); the main unit housing is wiped with 70% ethanol; no internal fluid paths contact samples.
Does A-picK require proprietary consumables?
No—only standard glass capillaries and commercially available 48-well plates; no vendor-locked reagents or cartridges.
How is positional accuracy maintained during automated runs on A-picK?
Marzhauser’s SCAN IM stage provides <±0.75 µm repeatability; PICKCELLS™ performs closed-loop verification using stage encoder feedback and optional camera-based fiducial alignment.