NEUROINDX UnipicK Plus Single-Cell and Tissue Microdissection System

Overview

The NEUROINDX UnipicK Plus is a high-precision, digitally controlled microdissection platform engineered for reliable isolation of single cells and intact tissue regions under optical guidance. Built upon the foundational architecture of the original UnipicK system, the UnipicK Plus integrates a closed-loop pneumatic actuation system, real-time positional feedback, and touch-enabled workflow orchestration to significantly enhance reproducibility, throughput, and operator ergonomics in live-cell and fixed-tissue microsampling applications. Its operational principle relies on calibrated capillary-based aspiration—leveraging precisely modulated positive pressure to gently aspirate target cells or microtissues directly into downstream receptacles (e.g., 96-well plates, glass slides, or 0.2 mL PCR tubes) without manual capillary handling or secondary transfer steps. This eliminates mechanical disturbance, reduces contamination risk, and ensures traceable, auditable sample handling—critical for single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, and primary cell culture establishment.

Key Features

• Integrated positive-pressure delivery system enabling direct, contactless transfer of aspirated material into standard labware—eliminating manual capillary removal and syringe-mediated transfer.
• Full digital control architecture with real-time display of capillary Z-position (µm resolution), applied pressure (mbar), elapsed time, and aspiration cycle count—enabling precise parameter documentation and inter-experiment repeatability.
• Three-step adjustable vertical translation speed (coarse/fine/micro) for rapid yet stable positioning calibration under high-magnification microscopy.
• Capillary position memory function: users can save and recall Z-coordinate presets, ensuring consistent sampling depth across replicates or multi-session experiments.
• Intuitive 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with context-sensitive soft keys and dedicated hardware shortcut buttons for one-touch activation of common protocols (e.g., “Tissue Pre-Digest”, “Adhesion Force Calibration”, “Rapid Aspiration”).
• Onboard force estimation algorithm: calculates relative cellular adhesion strength based on aspiration pressure threshold and dwell time—supporting quantitative comparison of cell-substrate or cell-cell binding phenotypes.
• Enhanced capillary illumination module with dual-angle LED guidance and dynamic brightness control—improving visual contrast and alignment accuracy during low-light or phase-contrast imaging.
• Dedicated pre-digestion protocol suite optimized for fibrous or dense tissues (e.g., brain slices, tumor biopsies), incorporating timed enzymatic incubation sequences synchronized with capillary approach timing.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UnipicK Plus supports a broad range of biological specimens—including adherent and suspension mammalian cells, dissociated neuronal cultures, cryosectioned or paraffin-embedded tissue sections (5–50 µm), organotypic slices, and 3D spheroids. Its modular mounting system ensures compatibility with major inverted microscope platforms: standard universal bracket integration (for Nikon Eclipse Ti, Zeiss Axio Observer) and OEM-specific adapters for Olympus CKX41/51 and IX71/73/81/83 series. All firmware and user logs comply with GLP/GMP-aligned data integrity principles—supporting audit trails, user authentication, and timestamped parameter logging. While not FDA-cleared as an IVD device, the system meets ISO 13485 design control expectations for research-use-only instrumentation and facilitates compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements for accredited laboratories.

Software & Data Management

The UnipicK Plus runs embedded Linux-based firmware with a web-accessible configuration portal (HTTPS-secured). All acquisition parameters—including pressure profiles, Z-trajectories, dwell times, and force estimates—are automatically logged in CSV and JSON formats with embedded metadata (user ID, microscope model, objective magnification, date/time stamp). Exported datasets integrate natively with downstream analysis pipelines via Python API bindings and are compatible with FAIR data principles. Audit trail functionality records every parameter change, login event, and protocol execution—fully satisfying 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when deployed in regulated environments with validated IT infrastructure.

Applications

• Single-cell RNA-seq library preparation from heterogeneous tissue sections
• Isolation of rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or stem-like subpopulations from co-cultures
• Spatially resolved proteomic sampling via laser-assisted microdissection (LMD)-complementary workflows
• Generation of clonal neuronal cultures from defined cortical layers
• Quantitative assessment of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) states via adhesion force profiling
• Pre-analytical processing for spatial metabolomics and MALDI imaging
• Quality-controlled isolation of primary cells for GMP-compliant expansion protocols

FAQ

Is the UnipicK Plus compatible with upright microscopes?
No—it is designed exclusively for inverted microscope configurations due to gravity-assisted capillary access and bottom-mounted optical path requirements.
Can the system be integrated with automated stage controllers?
Yes—via RS-232 and TTL trigger I/O ports, enabling synchronization with motorized XY stages for tiled microdissection or multi-region sampling.
What is the minimum viable capillary inner diameter supported?
Standard capillaries range from 1–20 µm ID; custom pullers and borosilicate glass specifications are available through NEUROINDX-certified fabrication partners.
Does the system support vacuum-based aspiration?
No—UnipicK Plus utilizes only positive-pressure-driven aspiration to minimize shear stress and preserve membrane integrity during delicate cell retrieval.
Is training and application support included with purchase?
Yes—NEUROINDX provides remote onboarding, on-site installation qualification (IQ), and annual application workshops focused on neuroscience, oncology, and developmental biology use cases.