Sutter XenWorks Micromanipulation and Microinjection System
| Brand | Sutter |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | XenWorks |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Sutter XenWorks Micromanipulation and Microinjection System is a modular, high-precision platform engineered for reproducible, low-drift intracellular and embryonic microinjection tasks in developmental biology, transgenic model generation, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories. Built upon Sutter Instrument’s legacy of motorized micromanipulation, the XenWorks system integrates three core components — the XenWorks Micromanipulator (motorized), the XenWorks Digital Microinjector, and the XenWorks Analog Microinjector — into a unified, interoperable architecture. Its operational principle relies on closed-loop stepper motor control for positional accuracy, combined with digitally regulated pneumatic pressure delivery (for injection/withdrawal) and analog fluid displacement (for coarse/fine volumetric control). The system is designed to meet the mechanical and regulatory demands of GLP-compliant preclinical research environments, supporting workflows requiring traceable parameter logging, repeatable pressure profiles, and ergonomic long-duration operation.
Key Features
- Motorized XenWorks Micromanipulator with inverted joystick design for intuitive, fatigue-reduced control and direct kinesthetic coupling to the micropipette tip
- Six selectable rotational sensitivity ranges (12 mm, 3.3 mm, 880 µm, 400 µm, 200 µm, 100 µm per full joystick rotation), enabling precise sub-micron positioning across diverse magnifications
- Three-axis travel range of up to 25 mm (X/Y/Z), with user-definable “Work” and “Floor” Z-axis limits and dual preset positions (“Home”, “Setup”)
- Digital Microinjector featuring dual independent pressure channels: one for vacuum-assisted aspiration (–350 to +350 Pa, 7 Pa resolution), and one for positive/negative pressure injection or transfer (0–5600 Pa, ±175 Pa for transfer; 7 Pa resolution)
- Programmable injection duration from 0.01 s to 10.00 s in 0.1 s increments, triggered manually or via footswitch
- Analog Microinjector with 10:1 coarse-to-fine adjustment ratio, interchangeable syringe reservoirs (100 µL, 500 µL, 1000 µL), and calibrated displacement (e.g., 5.2 µL coarse / 0.5 µL fine per full turn for 500 µL syringe)
- Integrated low-noise, oil-free internal compressor eliminating reliance on external compressed air sources
- Ergonomic remote keypad with high-contrast LCD display for real-time pressure, duration, and mode status feedback
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The XenWorks system is compatible with standard 1.0 mm OD borosilicate or quartz capillary pipettes, including those pulled using Sutter P-97 or similar micropipette pullers. It supports suspension cells (e.g., zygotes, blastocysts, ES cells), adherent cell lines, and oocytes across murine, bovine, porcine, and human models. All components are CE-marked and comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical safety. While not FDA-cleared for clinical use, the system meets essential requirements for ISO 13485-aligned research instrumentation and supports audit-ready documentation when integrated with validated LIMS or ELN platforms. Pressure calibration certificates and motor position logs can be exported for GLP/GMP traceability. Use is restricted to institutional research governed by local IACUC and biosafety protocols.
Software & Data Management
The XenWorks Digital Microinjector operates via embedded firmware with no host PC dependency. All critical parameters — pressure setpoints, injection duration, channel selection, and trigger mode — are stored in non-volatile memory and accessible via the front-panel keypad. For labs requiring electronic recordkeeping, the system supports optional RS-232 serial output (TTL-level) to interface with third-party acquisition software (e.g., Axon pCLAMP, NIS-Elements, or custom Python-based logging tools). Timestamped event logs (e.g., “Inject Start”, “Aspirate End”) can be captured at 10 Hz resolution, satisfying basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with appropriate audit-trail-enabled middleware. No proprietary cloud service or vendor-hosted platform is involved.
Applications
- Pro-nuclear DNA microinjection into mouse zygotes for transgenic line establishment (per ASTM E2926-13 guidelines for embryo handling)
- Embryonic stem cell (ESC) injection into host blastocysts for chimeric analysis
- Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in large-animal cloning workflows
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in mammalian ART research settings
- Piezo-assisted sperm-mediated gene transfer and nuclear transplantation
- Cytoplasmic or nucleoplasmic injection of CRISPR ribonucleoprotein complexes, mRNA, or fluorescent tracers
- Controlled aspiration and repositioning of organelles or subcellular compartments in live-cell imaging experiments
FAQ
Is the XenWorks system compatible with inverted microscopes from Nikon, Zeiss, Leica, and Olympus?
Yes — adapter kits are available for Nikon TMD/Diaphot/Eclipse TE200/300/TE2000, Zeiss Axiovert 100/135/200, Leica DM IL/DM-IRB/IRE2, and Olympus IX-51/71/81 series.
Can the Digital Microinjector operate without an external air supply?
Yes — it includes an integrated, maintenance-free, oil-free compressor rated for continuous duty at pressures up to 5600 hPa.
What pipette outer diameters does the manipulator accept?
Standard compatibility is for 1.0 mm OD glass capillaries; custom collet inserts are available for alternative diameters upon request.
Does Sutter provide calibration documentation for pressure and position accuracy?
Factory calibration reports (traceable to NIST standards) are included with each unit; annual recalibration services are available through authorized Sutter service centers.
Is remote software control supported?
Native USB or Ethernet control is not implemented; however, RS-232 TTL serial communication enables integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or Python-based automation frameworks.
