HIC-1.2 Cap for 1.2 mm OD Pipettes (NARISHIGE)

Overview

The HIC-1.2 Cap is a precision-engineered consumable accessory designed exclusively for integration with NARISHIGE’s HI-7 and HI-9 hydraulic micromanipulators—widely deployed in single-cell handling, patch-clamp electrophysiology, intracellular microinjection, and microdissection workflows. This cap functions as a standardized sealing interface for glass or fused-silica capillary pipettes with an outer diameter of 1.2 mm (O.D.), ensuring leak-tight mechanical coupling and stable hydrostatic pressure transmission between the manipulator’s fluid reservoir and the pipette lumen. Its design adheres to the fundamental operational principle of hydraulic micromanipulation: precise displacement of the pipette tip is achieved via controlled fluid volume changes within a closed, incompressible system. The HIC-1.2 maintains system integrity by preventing air entrapment and minimizing hydraulic compliance—critical factors influencing positional resolution, response time, and reproducibility in sub-micrometer positioning tasks.

Key Features

• Exact-fit mechanical interface for 1.2 mm O.D. pipettes—ensures axial alignment and eliminates rotational slippage during fine positioning.
• Integrated silicone rubber gasket (HI01PK01) providing compliant, chemically inert sealing against glass and quartz capillaries; resistant to common biological buffers, ethanol, and low-concentration acids/bases.
• Compact form factor (20 × 5 × 5 mm) optimized for spatial compatibility within multi-manipulator rigs and confined microscope stages.
• Minimal mass (1 g) contributing to reduced inertial loading on the HI-7/HI-9 actuator arm—supporting high-frequency step-and-hold stability and damping of mechanical resonance.
• Manufactured in Japan under NARISHIGE’s ISO 9001-certified quality control system; traceable lot documentation available upon request for GLP-compliant laboratory environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HIC-1.2 is validated for use with standard borosilicate (e.g., GC150F-15) and aluminosilicate glass capillaries, as well as quartz capillaries commonly pulled for patch-clamp or intracellular recording. It is compatible with physiological saline, artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), sucrose-based cutting solutions, and low-viscosity intracellular dyes (e.g., Alexa Fluor 488 hydrazide, 1–10 mM). While not intended for sterilization via autoclaving, the silicone gasket withstands ethylene oxide (EtO) treatment and 70% ethanol immersion for ≥5 minutes—meeting basic biosafety requirements for repeated-use setups in shared core facilities. The component complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and is free of SVHC substances listed under REACH Annex XIV.

Software & Data Management

As a passive mechanical interface, the HIC-1.2 does not incorporate embedded electronics or digital communication protocols. Its performance is fully governed by the host manipulator’s hydraulic architecture and external control systems (e.g., NARISHIGE’s HI-7/9 manual actuators or third-party motorized controllers interfaced via analog voltage input). No firmware, calibration files, or software drivers are associated with this component. However, consistent use of the HIC-1.2 across experimental sessions supports longitudinal data integrity—particularly when combined with audit-trail-enabled acquisition platforms (e.g., pCLAMP + Digidata 1550B under FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant configurations) where hardware identity and consumable batch traceability are documented in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs).

Applications

• Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in acute brain slices and cultured neurons—enabling stable gigaseal formation and low-noise current measurement.
• Single-cell aspiration and cytoplasmic extraction in developmental biology studies (e.g., Xenopus oocyte enucleation, zebrafish blastomere isolation).
• Microinjection of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes into mouse zygotes with minimal cytoplasmic disturbance.
• Controlled delivery of fluorescent tracers (e.g., Lucifer Yellow) into identified neuronal subtypes for morphological reconstruction.
• High-resolution mechanical probing of cell membrane elasticity using calibrated pipette deflection feedback.

FAQ

Is the HIC-1.2 compatible with pipettes other than 1.2 mm O.D.?

No. The internal bore geometry is dimensionally matched only to pipettes with nominal 1.2 mm outer diameter. Use with 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm pipettes will result in insufficient seal or mechanical instability.
Can the silicone gasket (HI01PK01) be replaced independently?

Yes. The gasket is press-fitted and removable; replacement gaskets are supplied separately under part number HI01PK01 and maintain identical dimensional tolerances and durometer specifications (Shore A 50 ± 5).
Does the HIC-1.2 support positive or negative pressure applications?

It supports both modes equally, provided the connected hydraulic system (e.g., HI-7 reservoir with regulated air pressure or vacuum source) is configured for bidirectional flow control and back-pressure compensation.
What is the maximum recommended operating pressure?

While no active pressure rating is specified, empirical validation indicates reliable performance up to 300 mbar (≈30 kPa) without gasket extrusion or cap deformation—consistent with standard patch-clamp pressure ranges.
Is this component suitable for long-term sterile cell culture work?

It may be used in sterile workflows following validated EtO or ethanol decontamination; however, it is not certified as sterile upon delivery and must be processed per institutional biosafety protocols prior to use in laminar flow hoods or isolators.