NARISHIGE MMO-220A One-Axis Oil-Hydraulic Micromanipulator
| Brand | NARISHIGE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | MMO-220A |
| Travel Range | 10 mm |
| Fine Adjustment per Full Rotation | 250 µm |
| Minimum Scale Division | 1 µm |
| Control Unit Dimensions | 65 × 115 × 88 mm, 630 g |
| Drive Unit Dimensions | 52 × 20 × 35 mm, 38 g |
| Included Accessory | CF-3 Clamp Holder |
Overview
The NARISHIGE MMO-220A is a precision-engineered one-axis oil-hydraulic micromanipulator designed for high-stability, low-drift manual positioning in demanding microscale experimental environments. Leveraging hydraulic amplification principles, the device converts fine rotational input—applied via a calibrated knurled knob—into smooth, backlash-free linear displacement of the drive unit. Unlike mechanical screw-based systems, the oil-hydraulic transmission eliminates stick-slip behavior and provides continuous, vibration-damped motion ideal for applications requiring sub-micrometer repeatability without motorized complexity. Its 10 mm total travel range is optimized for controlled approach and retraction tasks in confined optical or electrophysiological setups, such as patch-clamp electrode positioning, microinjection needle alignment, or microprobe placement under stereomicroscopy.
Key Features
- Oil-hydraulic actuation mechanism ensures smooth, frictionless, and non-backlash linear motion with no mechanical wear over extended operation.
- High-resolution manual control: full knob rotation advances the drive unit by precisely 250 µm, with engraved scale divisions at 1 µm intervals for visual feedback and repeatable setting recall.
- Modular two-unit architecture separates the ergonomic control unit (W65 × D115 × H88 mm, 630 g) from the lightweight drive unit (W52 × D20 × H35 mm, 38 g), enabling flexible mounting on microscope stages, vibration isolation tables, or custom rigs.
- Integrated CF-3 clamp holder provides rigid, tool-free attachment to standard 3 mm diameter rods or posts; compatible with NARISHIGE’s universal rod-and-clamp mounting ecosystem.
- Sealed hydraulic chamber prevents fluid leakage and contamination, supporting long-term stability in cleanroom and biological laboratory environments.
- No external power supply or electronics required—fully manual operation ensures electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and eliminates signal interference in sensitive electrophysiology or imaging setups.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MMO-220A is routinely deployed in life science laboratories performing single-cell manipulation, intracellular recording, and microinjection protocols where mechanical stability and positional fidelity are critical. Its inert stainless-steel and anodized aluminum construction complies with ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing practices and meets material biocompatibility requirements for use in GLP-compliant preclinical research settings. While not certified for clinical use, the device conforms to general laboratory equipment safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and supports traceable calibration documentation upon request. It is compatible with standard borosilicate glass micropipettes (OD ≤ 2.0 mm), tungsten or platinum-iridium microelectrodes, and quartz-coated optical fibers.
Software & Data Management
As a purely manual, analog positioning instrument, the MMO-220A does not incorporate embedded electronics, firmware, or digital interfaces. Consequently, it requires no software installation, driver configuration, or data logging infrastructure. This design choice eliminates cybersecurity vulnerabilities, avoids regulatory burdens associated with Class II medical device software (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11), and ensures uninterrupted operation during long-duration experiments. Users maintain full procedural control through tactile feedback and visual scale reading—enabling seamless integration into SOPs governed by ISO/IEC 17025 or GLP audit frameworks where instrument traceability relies on mechanical calibration records rather than electronic audit trails.
Applications
- Patch-clamp electrophysiology: precise XYZ alignment of glass pipettes relative to cultured neurons or tissue slices.
- Microinjection in developmental biology: controlled insertion of DNA, RNA, or dyes into zebrafish embryos or C. elegans gonads.
- Single-cell electroporation: stable positioning of bipolar electrodes for localized membrane permeabilization.
- Micro-optical probe alignment: iterative adjustment of fiber tips or waveguides in photonic neural interface studies.
- Materials science sample staging: fine translational positioning of TEM grid holders or AFM cantilevers during in situ characterization.
- Educational laboratory training: hands-on instruction in micromanipulation fundamentals without dependency on proprietary software or licensing.
FAQ
Is the MMO-220A compatible with inverted microscopes?
Yes—the compact drive unit mounts directly onto standard microscope stage adapters or custom brackets; its low profile (35 mm height) avoids objective clearance conflicts.
Can the hydraulic system be refilled or serviced by the user?
No—hydraulic fluid is permanently sealed at the factory; attempted disassembly voids warranty and compromises pressure integrity.
Does NARISHIGE provide calibration certificates for the MMO-220A?
Calibration verification reports (non-accredited) are available upon order; accredited calibration per ISO/IEC 17025 requires third-party lab engagement.
What is the recommended maintenance schedule?
Wipe external surfaces with lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol biannually; avoid solvents near seals or engraved scales.
Is the CF-3 clamp included with every unit?
Yes—the CF-3 clamp holder is supplied as standard equipment with all MMO-220A units shipped from authorized distributors.
