NARISHIGE IM-6 Precision Microinjector

Overview

The NARISHIGE IM-6 Precision Microinjector is an electromechanically actuated, manually controlled microinjection system engineered for reproducible, high-resolution fluid delivery in life science research applications. It operates on a precision-machined lead-screw mechanism coupled with a calibrated micrometer-style control knob, enabling deterministic displacement of the syringe plunger with sub-microliter resolution. Unlike pressure-driven or pneumatic injectors, the IM-6 delivers volume-based injection via direct mechanical translation—ensuring linear, hysteresis-minimized movement and eliminating compressibility-related drift common in gas-driven systems. Its 40 mm total plunger stroke accommodates standard glass capillaries and disposable syringes up to 800 µL capacity, making it suitable for both low-volume intracellular injections (e.g., oocyte microinjection, CRISPR RNP delivery) and higher-volume tissue-level infusions (e.g., brain stereotaxic delivery, embryonic injection). Designed and manufactured in Japan under stringent quality control protocols, the IM-6 conforms to ISO 9001-certified production standards and integrates seamlessly into electrophysiology rigs, inverted microscopy workstations, and automated micromanipulation platforms.

Key Features

• Precision lead-screw drive with 500 µm linear displacement per full 360° knob rotation—enabling repeatable, tactile feedback–based manual control.
• Calibrated volumetric increment of approximately 10 µL per full knob rotation when used with standard 100 µL–800 µL syringes—supporting intuitive volume estimation without digital readout dependency.
• Robust aluminum alloy chassis (200 × 80 × 130 mm; 2 kg) with vibration-damped base and integrated mounting interface compatible with standard XYZ micromanipulators and IM-H1 syringe holder.
• Modular accessory ecosystem including silicone rubber pads for secure syringe clamping, fluorocarbon O-rings for chemical resistance, and the IM-AS-2 oil add-on kit for enhanced thermal stability and reduced friction during extended operation.
• No external power supply or controller required—ideal for use in Faraday cages, low-EMI electrophysiology suites, or portable field setups where electrical noise must be minimized.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IM-6 supports a wide range of commercially available borosilicate glass capillaries (e.g., Sutter Instrument BF100-50-10, World Precision Instruments TW100F-4), plastic Luer-lock syringes (100–800 µL), and custom-fabricated injection pipettes. Its mechanical design avoids elastomeric seals in the primary fluid path, minimizing adsorption and leaching risks for sensitive biomolecules (e.g., mRNA, proteins, fluorescent dyes). While the IM-6 itself is not a medical device and carries no FDA 510(k) or CE-IVD designation, its construction materials comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards, and its operational repeatability meets ASTM E2917-21 guidelines for laboratory instrument precision. When deployed in GLP-compliant laboratories, users may document calibration procedures—including plunger displacement verification using calibrated optical encoders or stage micrometers—to satisfy internal audit requirements.

Software & Data Management

The IM-6 is a standalone analog instrument with no embedded firmware, digital interface, or data logging capability. This architecture ensures immunity to software obsolescence, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and driver compatibility issues. Volume delivery is traceable through mechanical calibration logs maintained by the end user—typically recorded alongside experimental metadata (e.g., syringe type, fluid viscosity, ambient temperature) in ELN systems such as LabArchives or Benchling. For labs requiring electronic audit trails, integration with third-party motion controllers (e.g., Thorlabs KDC101 + custom Python API) enables synchronized timestamped position capture, satisfying 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with appropriate electronic signature and change-control workflows.

Applications

• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and pronuclear injection in mammalian embryology.
• Single-cell transfection of primary neurons, iPSC-derived organoids, and zebrafish embryos.
• Targeted delivery of tracers (e.g., Alexa Fluor–dextran), optogenetic actuators (ChR2), or calcium indicators into defined brain nuclei in rodent stereotaxic surgery.
• Microfluidic chip priming and reagent loading where pulseless, low-shear dispensing is critical.
• Calibration reference tool for validating pressure-based microinjectors or syringe pumps via comparative gravimetric analysis.

FAQ

Is the IM-6 compatible with oil-immersion objectives during live-cell injection?
Yes—the IM-6’s mechanical design generates no electromagnetic interference and requires no power, allowing uninterrupted use beneath inverted microscopes equipped with oil-immersion objectives.
Can I use the IM-AS-2 oil kit with non-NARISHIGE syringes?
The IM-AS-2 kit is optimized for NARISHIGE glass capillaries and IM-series holders; while compatible with many Luer-lock syringes, performance validation (e.g., backpressure consistency, leakage rate) is recommended prior to critical experiments.
What is the recommended recalibration interval for routine lab use?
NARISHIGE recommends verifying plunger displacement accuracy annually using a calibrated digital caliper or laser displacement sensor—more frequently if subjected to >5000 injection cycles or aggressive cleaning agents.
Does the IM-6 support bidirectional (push/pull) injection?
No—it is designed exclusively for unidirectional forward injection; reverse aspiration requires manual plunger retraction or a separate aspiration module.
Are replacement O-rings and silicone pads available as consumables?
Yes—NARISHIGE part numbers AS-OR-SET (O-ring set) and AS-SR-PAD (silicone rubber pad kit) are stocked globally through authorized distributors and fulfill ISO 13485-certified supply chain traceability requirements.