Eppendorf CellTram vario - Manual (Page 20)

CellTram® Air · Oil · vario — Operating manual
20
5 Operation
5 Operation
5.1 Holding and transferring cells
1. Fix the universal capillary holder into the tool holder of the Eppendorf micromanipulator.
2. Determine the correct length of the capillary by moving the universal capillary holder in the
tool holder.
3. Determine the correct rotation of the capillary by turning the front knurled screw.
4. Move the micromanipulator upwards (see Operating Manual of the micromanipulator).
5. Position the petri dish.
6. Move the capillary into the medium and ensure its correct positioning by observing it under a
microscope.
Establishing pressure equilibrium in the capillary
7. You have three options:
•
Wait until equilibrium has been established.
•
Turn the piston clockwise (i.e. to the right) to establish a counter pressure which
compensates the active capillary force.
•
Only CellTram Air: loosen the ventilation screw. Tighten the screw again after pressure
compensation.
8. Move the capillary near to the desired cell.
9. Generate a vacuum by turning the dial counterclockwise (to the left).
10. While the cell moves towards the capillary: it may be necessary to turn the dial clockwise (to
the right) to slightly equilibrate the vacuum generated in order that the cell is not fixed too
firmly to the capillary tip.
Hint!
CellTram Air:
An overpressure or vacuum can be built up in the capillary using the volume of the
piston chamber (cylinder) and the pressure tube. Therefore, the pressure behavior
varies depending on the position of the piston. If the piston is located, e.g., in position
10 to 15, the differences in pressure are greater than, e.g., in position 0 to 5. By
carefully selecting the position of the piston, the sensitivity of the CellTram Air piston
pump can be adapted to your requirements.
Hint!
In hold mode:
Excessive constant pressure can damage the cell. After the cell has reached the
capillary tip, an optimal constant pressure should be set.
Hint!
In transfer mode:
Ensure that pressure is equilibrated sensitively and evenly during cell aspiration into the
capillary.