SUTTER INSTRUMENT BV-10 MICROELECTRODE BEVELER
Elegant and straightforward to use, the BV-10 offers precision beveling of micropipette tips between 0.1 and 100 µm. The unique abrasive plate drive system is vibration-free for greater control of the beveling process. Beveling can be accomplished rapidly and produces consistent tip diameters using the techniques described by Brown and Flaming, Science, August 1974, Vol. 185.
Intracellular recording electrodes can benefit from beveling because of:
A reduction in the tip diameter by the creation of the sharp point on the electrode
A lowered electrical resistance of the electrode due to the larger cross-sectional area of the lumen greatly facilitates penetrating and holding very small or complex cells. Microinjection needles also benefit from beveling by promoting entry into cells with minimal damage while at the same time enhancing the flow of material through the needle.
The basic beveling system consists of a stationary pedestal, optically flat to a half-wave (250 nm), surface mounted on a heavy base plate, Thereby serving as a bearing for an abrasive coated glass grinding plate, which is also flat to half a wave. The flat abrasive plate is coupled to a low vibration, slow-speed motor through magnetic fields to provide a wobble-free flat grinding surface. The abrasive plates utilize a proprietary process that ensures a consistent abrasive coating.
A 2-axis micromanipulator holds the pipette beveled and permits controlled advancement onto the abrasive surface. The bevel angle and speed of advancement are adjustable. An LED lamp with a gooseneck enhances the beveling operation by providing sharp illumination of the abrasive plate and pipette.
The Basic System consists of two abrasive plates of your choice, a wick with holder (for wet beveling), pedestal oil, degreasing fluid, and a manual.
Monitoring the beveling process can be done with two different option packages. One is a 40X stereo microscope and an electrode impedance meter or with only the impedance meter and no microscope. One or both of these options may be desirable, depending on your research application. For all micropipette applications, the swing mounted microscope enhances your control of pipette advancement onto the abrasive plate and allows for viewing the beveling operation (scope resolution is not sufficient for viewing the actual bevel except in the case of large tips). The impedance meter monitors the tip resistance during the beveling operation for microelectrode applications. The meter is analog, offering three resistance ranges (0-10, 0-100, 0-500 MOhm). Measurements are made at 12 Hz to minimize capacitive contributions to the impedance measured and provide a near-true DC resistance value. In addition, a rapid roll-off reduces 50/60 Hz interference, allowing operation in a laboratory environment without screening.
COMMON APPLICATIONS BV-10:
- Deep brain injections
- ES cell and ICSI procedures
- C. elegans Injections
- Fish and insect egg injections
FEATURES:
- Vibration-free, magnetically coupled beveling surface
- Abrasive surface optically flat to a half-wave (250 nm)
- Finest abrasive surface commercially available
- Synchronous clock motor ensures stable rotation rate
- 7 lb steel baseplate adds additional dampening
- Integrated LED lamp
- Robust micromanipulator controls bevel angle and advancement
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Beveling Range:
0.1µm through 100 µm finished electrodes depending on the abrasive plate used
Grinding Surface Variation:
less than 1.0 µm
Grinding Speed:
60 RPM
Beveling Angle Range:
5-90 degrees - adjustable
Micromanipulator:
course drive: 0.075 in / dial revolution
fine drive: 0.0004 in / dial revolution
Dimensions:
19 in x 9 in x 8 in | 48 cm x 22 cm x 20 cm
Weight:
30 lbs | 14 kg
Electrical:
110-120v / 200-240v | 50/60 Hertz power line
RoHS Certified
