NARISHIGE MTK-AC TAKANOME™ Microinjection Anchor Ring
| Brand | NARISHIGE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | MTK-AC |
| Dimensions (L×W×D) | 10 mm × 10 mm × 4 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 3 g |
| Compatible Injection Holders | ø4 mm (e.g., HI-7, HI-9) |
| Mounting | Magnetic or mechanical clamp |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Quantity per package | 2 pcs |
Overview
The NARISHIGE MTK-AC is a precision-engineered anchor ring designed exclusively for the TAKANOME™ microinjection system. It functions as a passive, non-actuated mechanical interface that secures ø4 mm injection holders—including HI-7 and HI-9—onto standard micromanipulator platforms or microscope stages. Unlike powered positioning devices, the MTK-AC operates on pure mechanical fixation principles: its low-profile geometry (10 × 10 × 4 mm), stainless steel construction, and integrated magnetic or clamping interface ensure sub-micron positional stability during high-resolution intracellular procedures. Its design adheres to the fundamental requirements of microinjection workflows where electromagnetic silence, thermal neutrality, and vibration isolation are critical—particularly in concurrent electrophysiological recording and injection experiments such as patch-clamp combined with CRISPR delivery.
Key Features
- Precision-machined stainless steel body for long-term corrosion resistance and dimensional stability under repeated sterilization cycles (e.g., ethanol wipe, UV exposure).
- Compact footprint (10 mm × 10 mm × 4 mm) and ultra-light mass (~3 g per unit) minimize stage load and preserve microscope optical path clearance.
- Dual-mount compatibility: supports both permanent magnetic attachment (for ferromagnetic stages) and reversible mechanical clamping (via standard stage adapters).
- Zero-power architecture eliminates electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it suitable for simultaneous patch-clamp, calcium imaging, or voltage-sensitive dye experiments.
- Modular integration with TAKANOME™ platform enables rapid switching between oil-driven and pneumatic microinjectors without realignment—critical for multi-step embryonic manipulation protocols.
- Engineered coaxial alignment tolerance < ±2 µm ensures consistent needle-sample axis registration across repeated holder swaps.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MTK-AC is validated for use with NARISHIGE’s ø4 mm injection holders (HI-7, HI-9) and integrates seamlessly into ISO 13485-aligned laboratory environments supporting GLP-compliant developmental biology and preclinical gene therapy research. While not a medical device itself, its mechanical stability contributes to reproducibility in applications referenced in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories performing cell-line validation or viral vector titering. The stainless steel material complies with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards for indirect contact with biological samples. No firmware, software, or electrical certification is applicable due to its purely passive mechanical function.
Software & Data Management
The MTK-AC requires no software interaction, driver installation, or firmware updates. As a passive anchoring component, it introduces no digital dependencies into experimental workflows—ensuring full compatibility with existing data acquisition systems (e.g., Axon pCLAMP, HEKA PatchMaster, or custom LabVIEW-based electrophysiology suites). Its use does not affect audit trail integrity under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, as it generates no electronic records, timestamps, or user-access logs. Documentation includes a traceable part number (MTK-AC), lot-specific manufacturing certificate, and dimensional inspection report per unit shipment.
Applications
- Developmental Biology: Stabilizing dual-injection setups for pronuclear injection in mouse zygotes or blastomere targeting in bovine embryos, enabling sequential delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein and donor DNA templates.
- Neuroscience: Anchoring paired patch pipettes and injection needles during acute brain slice experiments to maintain spatial fidelity during long-duration current-clamp recordings.
- Ophthalmic Research: Supporting subretinal injection rigs in ex vivo retinal explant models, where minimal stage intrusion preserves perfusion chamber geometry.
- Microfabrication Support: Acting as a stable mounting interface for probe positioning in nanoscale semiconductor probing stations requiring EMI-free mechanical coupling.
- GMP-adjacent Process Development: Facilitating repeatable setup configuration in analytical method development for AAV vector characterization, where equipment requalification intervals depend on mechanical consistency.
FAQ
Is the MTK-AC compatible with non-NARISHIGE injection holders?
No—it is dimensionally optimized only for ø4 mm cylindrical holders conforming to NARISHIGE’s HI-7/HI-9 specifications. Non-standard diameters or flange geometries will compromise coaxial alignment and clamping security.
Can the MTK-AC be autoclaved?
Stainless steel construction permits dry-heat sterilization (160°C for 2 hours) but not steam autoclaving; repeated exposure to saturated steam may degrade surface passivation and magnetic interface performance.
Does the MTK-AC include mounting hardware?
No—mounting relies on either the host stage’s built-in ferromagnetic surface or third-party mechanical clamps (e.g., Thorlabs KM100 series); no screws, adhesives, or proprietary fasteners are supplied.
What is the maximum recommended load capacity?
Rated for static loads ≤ 200 g; dynamic loads (e.g., from piezo-driven manipulators) must remain below 50 g to preserve alignment stability over extended operation.
How many MTK-AC units ship per order?
Each package contains two (2) identical anchor rings, enabling symmetrical dual-holder configurations or redundant spares for high-throughput core facilities.
