Narishige IM-400 Electric Microinjector

Overview

The Narishige IM-400 Electric Microinjector is a precision-engineered, digitally controlled pneumatic microinjection system designed for reproducible, low-volume liquid delivery in developmental biology, transgenic model generation, and single-cell manipulation. Operating on the principle of regulated positive-pressure gas displacement, the IM-400 delivers nanoliter-to-femtoliter volumes with high temporal and pressure resolution—critical for delicate intracellular or intranuclear injections into oocytes, embryos, and early-stage larvae. Unlike manual or analog systems, the IM-400 integrates real-time digital control of injection duration (ms–s range) and pressure (0–0.5 MPa), enabling precise calibration against biological resistance and viscosity. Its architecture complies with fundamental requirements for GLP-aligned experimental workflows, supporting traceable parameter logging when integrated with compliant data acquisition environments.

Key Features

• Digital touchscreen interface with intuitive menu navigation and real-time parameter feedback (injection time, pressure setpoint, balance pressure)
• Non-volatile memory for storing up to 10 user-defined injection protocols—including time/pressure combinations, balance duration, and rinse cycles
• Modular mechanical design featuring quick-connect tubing interfaces (6 mm input, 2 mm output) and standardized SMC KQ2H06-02S fittings for seamless integration with external pressure sources
• Compact, benchtop-compatible controller unit (120 × 211 × 264 mm; 3.1 kg) and lightweight operation unit (130 × 153 × 61.5 mm; 780 g) optimized for vibration-sensitive microscope stages
• Compliance-ready power supply (AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz; 15 W max; T1A/250 V fuse per EN60127-2 Table 3) suitable for international laboratory infrastructure

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IM-400 is validated for use with standard borosilicate or quartz glass capillaries (e.g., Sutter BF150-86-10, World Precision Instruments TW100F-4) mounted via the HI-9 micropipette holder. It supports injection into diverse model organisms including Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, Drosophila melanogaster syncytial blastoderm, zebrafish (Danio rerio) one-cell stage embryos, and mouse pronuclear-stage zygotes. While the instrument itself does not carry CE or FDA 510(k) certification as a medical device, its operational parameters align with common requirements in ISO 13485-adjacent research environments. When used with audit-trail-capable software (e.g., third-party LabVIEW or Python-based DAQ systems), it supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic record retention where local SOPs mandate it.

Software & Data Management

The IM-400 operates as a standalone hardware platform without embedded PC connectivity; however, all front-panel settings—including injection time (0.01–9999 ms), injection pressure (0–0.5 MPa), balance pressure (0–0.5 MPa), and rinse pressure (0.4–0.7 MPa)—are fully programmable and recallable. For automated experiment orchestration, analog voltage outputs (0–5 V) are available for synchronization with microscope shutter controllers or camera trigger units. Optional integration with Narishige’s IM-400B Negative Pressure Filling Unit enables automated backfilling of capillaries under controlled vacuum (~−0.08 MPa), reducing manual handling and improving solution integrity during serial injections. Raw parameter logs can be manually documented or captured via external timestamped video recording synchronized to footswitch actuation.

Applications

• Transgenic construct delivery: plasmid DNA, CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes, or morpholino oligonucleotides into embryonic nuclei
• Cytoplasmic or yolk injection in arthropod and fish embryos for lineage tracing or functional knockdown studies
• Microinjection of fluorescent dyes (e.g., Alexa Fluor–conjugated dextrans) for cell labeling and live imaging
• Delivery of recombinant proteins or synthetic mRNAs into mammalian oocytes for reprogramming or developmental assays
• High-throughput embryo handling in zebrafish core facilities where reproducibility across operators is essential

FAQ

What external gas supply is required to operate the IM-400?
A clean, oil-free compressed air or nitrogen source (0.4–0.7 MPa) with an inline pressure regulator and filter is mandatory. The system does not include a compressor or gas cylinder.
Can the IM-400 perform both positive-pressure injection and negative-pressure filling?
The base IM-400 supports only positive-pressure injection. Negative-pressure capillary filling requires the optional IM-400B auxiliary unit, which generates ~−0.08 MPa vacuum via regulated gas flow.
Is the IM-400 compatible with inverted microscopes equipped with motorized micromanipulators?
Yes—the compact operation unit mounts directly to standard Narishige MM-89 or MN-4 manipulator arms using the included HI-9 holder, and its low electromagnetic emission profile prevents interference with sensitive imaging detectors.
What consumables are required for routine operation?
Essential consumables include silicon rubber gaskets (HI01PK01, pack of 10), CT-4 injection tubing (2 mm OD × 1.2 m), and gas supply hoses with SMC KQ2H06-02S fittings. Glass capillaries and patch pipettes are user-specified based on application.
Does the IM-400 support GLP or GMP documentation standards?
While the device lacks built-in electronic audit trails, its deterministic digital control, parameter memory, and compatibility with external timestamped logging systems enable compliance with GLP Annex 11 and internal GMP validation protocols when implemented within a qualified laboratory environment.