fast and precise pneumatic ejection
of picoliter volumes
OpenSpritzer MicroInjector
The ability to deliver micro or picolitre volumes has always been a vital part of biological research
Until recently, this required a significant investment of $6,000 or even more into a proprietary brand. The OpenSpritzer (developed, described and published by Forman et all. 2017) serves as an alternative, open-source micro-injection/puffer system. It offers similar performance and reliability to that of leading brands, but at a fraction of the cost.
As with the more familiar models on the market, the OpenSpritzer is a self-contained system that has been designed to be intuitive with simple functionality. Featuring a built-in injection control system which is easily adjusted using a hard and software controls.
The core components are the laboratory-grade precision pneumatic regulator with adjustment gauge, and fast solenoid valve – these are controlled via hardware and software adjustments, offering excellent adjustability. Software (on the Arduine IDE platform) is also open-source, allowing ultimate customization.
Ejection duration can be controlled via a remotely generated TTL pulse, or a combination of software settings and hardware potentiometer adjustment.
The OpenSpritzer also comes with a foot/hand switch for added ease of operation. NeuroGig’s open-hardware support now offers the OpenSpritzer to order as a complete unit.
Options:
OpenSpritzer Essentials: Basic, single channel system (as described in original paper), with modular, easy to upgrade aluminium enclosure
OpenSpritzer: The new standard includes an LCD display screen, indicating the minimum pause time of the footswitch, and the duration of the pulse as set by the rotary dial setting (this can be set to a value between the minimum and the maximum values, also indicated on the screen). This makes it easier to adjust duration on the fly. This unit also has an increased maximum value of 2 minutes.
(See video intro of OpenSpritzer with LCD below this section)
OpenSpritzer Dual: Two channel unit – the user needs to specify whether they would prefer two completely independent channels, or two channels connected to a single output.
Above: The OpenSpritzer Essentials is the simplest solution in the range, without the LCD screen integration, but with the same high-end pneumatics
OpenSpritzer Vacuum: Two channel unit, with one channel being a vacuum channel (to be connected to a vacuum pump). The vacuum channel and positive pressure channels can both be connected to the same output channel, with a handswitch to switch between the channels, or two separate output channels can be specified.
OpenSpritzer Hold: Two channel unit with both channels connected to a single output. The second channel is a background positive-pressure channel to keep a background HOLD pressure on the pipette when the valve is shut.
We can further leave the purchasing of the components to you and have it delivered to our workshop to handle assembly testing, installation and support.
Benefits
The OpenSpritzer option, including foot switch, is currently offered at £1,300 (approximately US$1,700) per unit.
Includes Arduino controller, with user-friendly, open-access control software. Open space in the enclosure makes modifications and upgrades an easy option.
The above benefits do not compromise exceptional lab-grade pneumatics and precision electronic control, as described in Forman et all. 2017.
All OpenSpritzers are tested in our workshop, with a 12-month warranty on workmanship and parts.
Why buy the OpenSpritzer from NeuroGig?
Buying the OpenSpritzer from NeuroGig allows access to excellent Open-Source design for labs that are not interested in spending time, resources and effort in tinkering and troubleshooting when building open-source devices.
We test our devices before it leaves our workshop, and offer support and a 12 month warranty on work and parts
The most versatile microinjection device
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequently questions and answers
Wat is included in the standard instrument packing list ?
The standard OpenSpritzer is housed in a 19″ rack (3U height) with all the preumatics and electronics installed. It also includes a 24V DC power supply; USD-MicroUSB cable (for connecting to your computer); Footswitch (for triggering); 6mm (or 1/4″) preumatic tubing (for connecting to your lab’s air supply); 4mm tubing on the output-port; USB flash-drive with user manual, Arduino IDE software installation files and OpenSpritzer control code
Can users customize the programming software on the OpenSpritzer?
Absolutely!
The code (delivered with the package on a USB flash-drive) is open-source and easy to modify. This offers many possibilities for users. Upon request, NeuroGig will assist with writing custom code for certain applications.
Which applications has the OpenSpritzer been used for?
More applications are added continuously, but the OpenSpritzer was originally designed and tested in human and rodent brain slices, and for:
- Evoking and suppression of action potentials during vitro whole cell patch clamp recordings
- Microinjections of infectious agents
- Viral delivery of opsins for optogenetics
- Injection of single molecules to whole bacteria
- Inoculating brain tissue slices with BCG-GFP
- According to Forman et al
Can I use a pipette holder from the PicoSpritzer III on the Openspritzer?
You can use the pipette holder from the PicoSpritzer, III, and also any other brand of microinjection pipette holder (e.g. the Narishige IM-300, PicoPump, Nanoject II/III, FemtoJet 4), as long as it is a standalone pipette holder without a built-in valve. Please share the desired pipette holder input dimensions with us in case you require a custom air output-tube diameter (standard is 4mm)
Where can I find updated design files from the original Github publication?
Please request these from NeuroGig, or download it from our library for the OpenSpritzer
What kind of air supply and pressure needs to be provided by the end user?
Your standard lab air-supply will work. It is not recommended to use Nitrogen, carbon dioxide or any other gas, since this may be a safety risk. Many labs have this as a standard “off-the-wall” option, or invest in a compressed air cylinder or silent compressor. (we can recommend some options here) Your air supply will need to provide pressure of >2bar for standard applications.
Can I request customization?
Yes – some customization requests are very easy to implement, and can be done without extra charge. NeuroGig will be happy to consider more complex modifications, which may incur an additional customization fee,