VIDEO: How to Use NanoFil Syringe for RPE and IO Injections
NanoFil™ is a unique low volume gas tight syringe developed for improved microinjection in mice and other small animals. RPE and IO kits are specially designed for “hands-free” and oil-free Gas Tight Injection System. Originally developed for retinal pigment epithelium and intraocular injection, they can also be used for other applications.
RPE and IO kits are specially designed for “hands-free” and oil-free Gas Tight Injection System. Originally developed for retinal pigment epithelium and intraocular injection, they can also be used for other applications. The injection volume is controlled by UMP3’s program and is activated by a foot switch. This lets you use your “free hand” to place the needle into the injection site. These kits need to be used with a NanoFil syringe and UMP3 to achieve accurate, repetitive and oil-free injection in the Gas Tight Injection System range. The RPE kit has blunt needles, and the IO kit has the tri-surface beveled needles.
SilFlex
SilFlex is flexible, low dead volume tubing made of fused silica with an OD of 460 µm, and It is 35 cm long. The dead volume of the tubing section is about 3 µL. The low dead volume, consistent inside diameter and flexibility are essential for the system. Handling this tubing gently. Sharp bending can crack the glass and damage the tubing permanently. Do not bend it with a radius less than 30 mm or against a sharp corner.
Needle Holder Nuts
The holder connects the SilFlex tubing with the injection needle. It has the same coupling mechanism used on the NanoFil syringe. The inside diameter of the barrel and gaskets are identical to the one on the syringe. Install both needle and tubing by loosening the screw, inserting the tubing and tightening the nut finger-tight. Insert the SilFlex into the red nut on the back of the holder. Insert your needle of choice through the front cap. Adjust the length of the needle by sliding the needle up into the holder. The needle and SilFlex should be very close to each other inside the holder barrel, but not touching. Because the tubing will move forward as the screw is tightened, a gap between the needle and the tubing is essential to avoid crushing the tubing. The gap can be as large as 1 mm while only increasing dead volume by 0.17μL. Because the SilFlex tubing is very soft, it might be difficult to “fish” it through the gasket during the installation. To solve this problem, unscrew the red nut and remove the silicone gasket. Thread the nut and the gasket onto the SilFlex tubing. Then, with the red nut and gasket on, fit the SilFlex into the back hole of the holder. Hold the SilFlex in the holder, slide the gasket and red nut into the holder and tighten it.
Gasket
The gasket is yellow, and it has both a narrow and a wide opening to make the needle insertion easier.
If you have any questions, give us a call at (866) 606-1974 (Toll free in the USA) or email us at wpi@wpiinc.com.
