UPN-20 Pipette Holder by NARISHIGE

Overview

The UPN-20 Pipette Holder is a precision-engineered mechanical fixture designed for stable, repeatable positioning of fine-bore glass or polymer pipettes in electrophysiology, microinjection, patch-clamp, and single-cell manipulation setups. Developed by NARISHIGE—a Japanese manufacturer with over five decades of expertise in micromanipulation instrumentation—the UPN-20 operates on a rigid clamping principle that secures pipettes via lateral compression against a fixed anodized aluminum body. Unlike spring-loaded or friction-based holders, the UPN-20 employs a dual-screw locking mechanism to eliminate axial slip and radial wobble during high-resolution positional adjustments. Its compact profile (93 mm length × 11 mm height) and low mass (10 g) minimize inertial loading on motorized or manual micromanipulators, making it especially suitable for integration with NARISHIGE’s MN-401, MO-202, or MM-33 series compact manipulators.

Key Features

• Optimized for pipettes with outer diameters between 1.0 mm and 1.2 mm—compatible with standard borosilicate glass capillaries used in intracellular recording and microinjection.
• Independent angular adjustment capability enables precise alignment of the pipette tip relative to the sample plane—critical for achieving consistent penetration angles in whole-cell patch-clamp experiments.
• Machined from aerospace-grade anodized aluminum alloy for dimensional stability under thermal drift and long-term mechanical load.
• 4 mm diameter mounting bar interface conforms to ISO 80000-4 standardized optical and mechanical rail systems, ensuring interoperability with third-party stages, vibration isolation tables, and modular microscope platforms.
• No-tool, repeatable repositioning: once calibrated, the holder maintains angular orientation within ±0.5° after repeated disassembly and remounting.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UPN-20 is intended for use with sterile or cleaned glass and fused silica pipettes commonly employed in life science laboratories adhering to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited workflows. It does not contact sample solutions directly and requires no sterilization—cleaning is performed using ethanol or isopropanol wipes. The device complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restrictions and meets IEC 61000-6-2 electromagnetic immunity requirements for laboratory environments. While not a medical device per FDA 21 CFR Part 820, its design supports traceability and audit readiness when documented as part of instrument qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ).

Software & Data Management

As a passive mechanical component, the UPN-20 does not incorporate embedded electronics, firmware, or digital interfaces. Its operation is fully manual and independent of software control. However, it is routinely integrated into automated workflows where positional metadata—including angular offset, Z-height, and coordinate mapping—is logged via external motion controllers (e.g., Prior ProScan III, Sutter MP-285) and synchronized with acquisition software such as pCLAMP, Axograph, or PatchMaster. All mechanical settings are manually recorded and retained in lab notebooks or electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for signature and audit trail integrity.

Applications

• Single-cell electrophysiology: secure fixation of patch pipettes during gigaseal formation and voltage-clamp recordings.
• Microinjection of zygotes, oocytes, or embryonic stem cells—where consistent insertion angle improves delivery reproducibility.
• Fluorescence-guided microdissection, where pipette orientation must match confocal or two-photon imaging planes.
• Multi-pipette array configurations (e.g., dual-patch or simultaneous recording/injection), where spatial separation and angular independence reduce cross-talk.
• Teaching laboratories requiring robust, reusable fixtures for student training in micropipette handling fundamentals.

FAQ

Is the UPN-20 compatible with non-NARISHIGE manipulators?
Yes—it mounts to any standard 4 mm diameter support rod or rail system meeting ISO 80000-4 mechanical interface specifications.
Can the UPN-20 hold pipettes larger than 1.2 mm OD?
No—its clamping range is strictly engineered for 1.0–1.2 mm outer diameter pipettes; exceeding this may compromise grip integrity and angular repeatability.
Does the UPN-20 include a base plate or mounting bracket?
No—the unit ships as a standalone holder; compatible base plates (e.g., BP-1, BP-2) and adapter sleeves must be ordered separately.
What is the maximum torque specification for the adjustment screws?
NARISHIGE specifies a maximum tightening torque of 0.15 N·m to prevent thread deformation and maintain angular calibration over extended use.
How often should the clamping surfaces be inspected for wear?
Inspect visually before each experimental session; replace if scoring or pitting is observed on the anodized aluminum contact faces—typical service life exceeds 5,000 cycles under proper maintenance.