NARISHIGE M-44 Micromanipulator

Overview

The NARISHIGE M-44 Micromanipulator is a compact, manually operated mechanical positioning device engineered for high-precision microscale manipulation in optical microscopy-based experimental setups. Designed using proven kinematic principles of lever-actuated coarse translation and pivot-tilt coupling, the M-44 enables stable, backlash-free three-dimensional repositioning of microtools—including glass micropipettes, electrodes, and microinjection needles—relative to a fixed specimen plane. Its architecture follows NARISHIGE’s long-standing design philosophy of mechanical simplicity, tactile feedback fidelity, and modularity, making it especially suitable for intracellular injection, patch-clamp electrophysiology, microdissection, and single-cell manipulation workflows where electronic actuation or software control is unnecessary or undesirable. Unlike motorized manipulators, the M-44 relies entirely on precision-machined brass and stainless-steel components, ensuring thermal stability, minimal hysteresis, and long-term repeatability without power dependency.

Key Features

• Compact form factor (65 × 25 × 50 mm; 70 g) optimized for integration on inverted and upright microscope stages without obstructing optical paths or limiting access to objectives.
• Gross coarse adjustment range of 22 mm along the primary axis (X), achieved via calibrated rack-and-pinion mechanism with tactile detent feedback for repeatable positioning.
• Dedicated Y-axis pivot motion allows angular reorientation of the mounted tool around a horizontal axis—critical for aligning pipette tips perpendicular to cell membranes during penetration.
• Z-axis tilt function provides controlled angular deviation (±15° typical) of the tool holder relative to the vertical plane, facilitating oblique approach trajectories and minimizing shadowing or collision with stage-mounted peripherals.
• Standard Ø4 mm rod clamping interface ensures compatibility with NARISHIGE’s universal mounting systems—including MP-285-compatible base plates, H-type holders, and custom-stage adapters.
• Includes H-7C pipette holder (for 1.0–1.5 mm OD glass capillaries), UPN-1 universal capillary stand, and precision hex key wrench for secure fastening and periodic calibration checks.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The M-44 is intended for use with standard borosilicate or quartz micropipettes, tungsten or platinum-iridium microelectrodes, and fused-silica optical fibers commonly employed in life science and neurophysiology laboratories. It imposes no electromagnetic interference and contains no active electronics, rendering it fully compatible with Faraday cages, electrophysiology rigs, and high-sensitivity imaging environments (e.g., confocal, TIRF, or super-resolution platforms). While not certified to ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (as it is a Class I non-electric mechanical device), its construction adheres to JIS B 7021 (Japanese Industrial Standard for micromanipulator accuracy testing) and supports GLP-compliant documentation when integrated into validated experimental protocols involving manual intervention steps.

Software & Data Management

The M-44 operates independently of software control and does not require drivers, firmware updates, or connectivity interfaces. All positional adjustments are performed manually and recorded via experimenter logbooks or synchronized video annotation systems. When used in conjunction with digital microscopy platforms (e.g., Nikon NIS-Elements, Zeiss ZEN, or Olympus cellSens), users may annotate frame-locked position metadata manually or via third-party macro scripting that logs timestamped stage coordinates alongside M-44 tool orientation notes. No audit trail or electronic record functionality is embedded—consistent with its classification as a passive mechanical aid under regulatory frameworks governing laboratory instrumentation.

Applications

• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and oocyte micromanipulation in reproductive biology labs.
• Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in acute brain slice preparations, where low-noise mechanical stability is paramount.
• Microinjection of dyes, tracers, CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins, or mRNA into zebrafish embryos, C. elegans, or Xenopus oocytes.
• Positioning of microfluidic probes or AFM cantilevers during correlative optical-mechanical experiments.
• Alignment and stabilization of optical fibers in optogenetics or photostimulation rigs requiring sub-10 µm tip placement accuracy.

FAQ

Is the M-44 compatible with motorized microscope stages?
Yes—the M-44 mounts mechanically and does not interfere with motorized stage control; however, its own movements remain manual and must be coordinated externally.
Can the M-44 be sterilized for use in sterile tissue culture environments?
The unit is not autoclavable due to lubricated internal mechanisms, but surface disinfection with 70% ethanol or isopropanol is permissible; avoid immersion or high-humidity storage.
Does NARISHIGE provide calibration certificates for the M-44?
No formal calibration certificate is issued, as the device lacks encoded position sensing; users perform functional verification using stage micrometers or calibrated graticules per institutional SOPs.
What is the recommended maintenance interval?
NARISHIGE recommends visual inspection and light cleaning every 6 months; re-lubrication of the coarse drive gear is advised only if audible grinding or increased resistance occurs.
Is the H-7C holder included with all M-44 units?
Yes—the H-7C pipette holder, UPN-1 capillary stand, and 2.0 mm hex key are standard accessories shipped with each M-44 unit.