BTX ECM630 User manual

Publicaon 5423-020-REV 1.0
Exponential Decay Wave
Electroporation System
USER’S MANUAL

2Publicaon 5423-020-REV 1.0 • www.btxonline.com
Research Only
BTX
84 October Hill Rd
Holliston, MA 01746, USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.btxonline.com
Warranty
BTX warranes the ECM 630 Electroporaon Systems for a
period of two years from the date of purchase. At its opon, BTX
will repair or replace the unit if it is found to be defecve as to
workmanship or materials. This warranty does not extend to any
instrumentaon which has been (a) subjected to misuse, neglect,
accident or abuse, (b) repaired or altered by anyone other than
BTX without BTX express and prior approval, (c) used in violaon
of instrucons furnished by BTX. This warranty extends only to the
original customer purchaser. IN NO EVENT SHALL BTX BE LIABLE
FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do
not allow exclusion or limitaon of incidental or consequenal
damages so the above limitaon or exclusion may not apply to
you. THERE ARE NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE.
Some states do not allow this limitaon on an implied warranty,
so the above limitaon may not apply to you. Without liming the
generality of the foregoing, BTX shall not be liable for any claims
of any kind whatsoever, as to the equipment delivered or for non-
delivery of equipment, and whether or not based on negligence.
Warranty is void if the ECM 630 instrument is changed in any
way from its original factory design or if repairs are aempted
without wrien authorizaon by BTX. Warranty is void if parts,
connecons or electrodes not manufactured by BTX are used with
the ECM 630 instrument. If a defect arises within the warranty
period, promptly contact BTX, 84 October Hill Road, Building 7,
Holliston, Massachuses, USA 01746-1388 using our toll free
number 1-800-272-2775 (US Only) or 508-893-8999 (E-mail:
[email protected]). Goods will not be accepted for return
unless an RMA (Returned Materials Authorizaon) number has
been issued by our customer service department. The customer
is responsible for shipping charges. Please allow a reasonable
period of me for compleon of repairs, replacement and return.
If the unit is replaced, the replacement unit is covered only for
the remainder of the original warranty period dang from the
purchase of the original device. This warranty gives you specic
rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state
to state.
Out of Warranty Service
Proceed exactly as for Warranty Service above. If our service
department can assist you by phone or other correspondence, we
will be glad to help at no charge.
Repair service will be billed on the basis of labor and materials.
A complete statement of me spent and materials used will be
supplied. Shipment to BTX should be prepaid. Your bill will include
return shipment freight charges.
Disassembly by the user is prohibited. Service should only be
carried out by experienced BTX technicians.
Repair Facilies and Parts
BTX stocks replacement and repair parts. When ordering, please
describe parts as completely as possible, preferably using our part
numbers. If praccal, enclose a sample photo or drawing.
Cauon Noce
The ECM 630 system is intended for laboratory use only and can
be used in research and development applicaons. These systems
have been designed to meet the standards for electromagnec
compability (EMC) and safety intended for laboratory equipment
applicaons.
This product should not be used in the presence of a ammable
atmosphere such as an anesthec mixture with air, oxygen, or
nitrous oxide.
Warranty Information

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Please read the following safety precauons to ensure proper
use of your generator. If the equipment is used in a manner not
specied, the protecon provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
To Prevent Hazard or Injury
Use Proper Line Cord
Use only the specied line cord for this product and make sure
line cord is cered for country of use.The operang voltage range
for the ECM 630 system is 100–240 vac, 50/60 Hz.
Ground the Product
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the
power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must
be connected to earth ground. Before making any connecons
to the input or output terminals of the product, ensure that the
product is properly grounded.
Make Proper Connecons
Make sure all connecons are made properly and securely. Any
signal wire connecons to the unit must be no longer than
three meters.
Observe All Terminal Rangs
Review the operang manual to learn the rangs on all
connecons.
Use Proper Fuse
Use only specied fuses with product.
Avoid Exposed Circuitry
Do not touch any electronic circuitry inside of the product.
Do Not Operate with Suspected Failures
If damage is suspected on or to the product do not operate
the product. Contact qualied service personnel to perform
inspecon.
Orient the Equipment Properly
Do not orient the equipment so that it is dicult to operate the
disconnecon device.
Place Product in Proper Environment
Review the operang manual for guidelines for proper operang
environments.
Observe All Warning Labels on Product
Read all labels on product to ensure proper usage.
Caution Risk of
Electric Shock
Caution Protective Ground
Terminal
High Voltage Risk
These instruments contain a high voltage power supply adjustable
to 3,000 V. High voltage power supplies present a serious risk of
personal injury if not used in accordance with design and/or use
specicaons, if used in applicaons on products for which they
are not intended or designed, or if they are used by untrained or
unqualied personnel.
• The user must read this manual carefully before the
instruments are placed into operaon.
• Removing the cover will void the warranty.
• Do not connect or disconnect the high voltage cable with
the high voltage enabled.
• To connect or disconnect the cable, turn line power o and
unplug line (mains) cord.
• Do not touch the electrode p while the waveforms are
being applied.
If there are any quesons about the operaon of this instrument,
call BTX Customer service at 1-800-272-2775, or 1-508-893-8999.
Cauon Noce
The ECM 630 Exponenal Decay Wave Electroporaon System is
intended for laboratory use only and can be used in research and
development applicaons. These systems have been designed
to meet the standards for electromagnec compability (EMC)
intended for laboratory equipment applicaons as well as the
applicable safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control, and laboratory use. The unit itself does
not generate waste, but may be used to treat samples that are
hazardous. Please use appropriate PPE and ensure disposal in
accordance with local regulaons and pracces.
This product should not be used in the presence of a ammable
atmosphere such as an anesthec mixture with air, oxygen, or
nitrous oxide.
Safety Information

4Publicaon 5423-020-REV 1.0 • www.btxonline.com
A Message from BTX
Thank you for invesng in a ECM 630 System.
Since its founding in 1983, the main focus of BTX has been in the area of applying
controlled electric elds for genec engineering applicaons. Because of this,
we quickly established a reputaon as the technological leader in the elds of
electroporaon and electrofusion. Our systems have been installed in many
presgious instutes around the globe where they are used successfully for high
eciency transfecon, transformaon and cell fusion applicaons. We oer a
variety of waveforms, electrodes and chamber opons to provide you with the
best tools to achieve your goals.
We are vested in your success. To that end, the BTX technical support team
constantly tracks published literature for any reference to electroporaon and
electrofusion. We extract the pernent experimental condions and yields
from these papers to help us in our eorts to help you. In addion to tracking
publicaons, we are available to you for support at any me for advice in
experimental design, product recommendaons, troubleshoong, and any other
relevant technical advice.
We thank you again for your investment and we look forward to assisng you in
any way we can.
Finally, please read this manual carefully before aempng to operate the
electroporaon system. If you have any quesons about the unit or about
parcular applicaons, please contact us:
BTX
84 October Hill Road
Holliston, MA 01746 USA
Toll Free: 1-800-272-2775
Internaonal Callers: 508-893-8999
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.btxonline.com
Email: [email protected]
For any customers outside the US or Canada, please call your local BTX dealer or
call us directly.

5Publicaon 5423-020-REV 1.0 • www.btxonline.com
SUBJECT PAGE #
Warranty Informaon 2
Safety Informaon 3
Introducon 4
Table of Contents 5 – 6
Product Overview 7
Unpacking the System 8
Touchscreen Buon Reference 9
Soware Setup 10 – 11
Seng Time/Date 10
Seng Audible Alarm Preferences 10
Seng Backlight Preferences 11
Displaying Device Informaon 11
Preset Protocols 12 – 14
Using Preset Protocols 12
Customizing a Preset Protocol 13 – 14
Performing Experiments 15 – 17
Creang New Protocols 21
Using Specialty Protocols 18 – 20
Using an HT Plate Handler 18 – 19
Using Specialty Electrodes 20
Managing Protocols 21 – 23
Saving a Copy of a Protocol 21
Renaming a Protocol 21
Deleng a Protocol 22
Password Protecng a Protocol 23
Protocol Manager Soware 24 – 26
Installaon 24
Overview 24
Upload from Generator to PC 24
Download from PC to Generator 25
Upload Log Files 26
Remote Control Soware 27
Generator Specicaons 28
Maintenance 29
Upgrading Gemini Series Soware 30 – 32
USB Virtual CommPort Driver Installaon 30 – 31
Device Updater Program 32
Error Messages & Troubleshoong 33 – 35
Table of Contents

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Table of Contents
SUBJECT PAGE #
General Opmizaon Guide for Electroporaon 36 – 38
DNA Delivery into Cells Using Electroporaon 36
Wave Forms 37
Field Strength 37
Pulse Length 38
Number of Pulses 38
Electroporaon Buer 38
DNA/RNA Concentraons 38
Applicaons 39 – 41
Bacteria and Yeast Transformaon 39
Plant and Insect Transfecon 39
Electroporaon Buers 40
Ordering Informaon 41

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Product Overview
High Throughput (HT) Electroporaon
The High Throughput (HT) 96- and 25-well systems oer mul-
well electroporaon technology for processing mulple samples
in seconds. Using the HT mul-well plates instead of tradional
cuvees, the researcher can transion from a single cuvee to
either a 96-well or 25-well electroporaon plate by using a plate
handler. This increases yields and the number of experiment runs
in a single day. Experiments take seconds to run, allowing for
quick and ecient opmizaon of the electrical and biological
parameters. Once opmized, samples are rapidly processed
increasing yields and saving valuable me and money.
The key to the HT System is the combinaon of the ECM 630
Generator with the Plate Handler and mul-well plates. The Plate
Handler holds the plates and delivers the pulse(s) to the wells
using parameters set in the ECM 630 generator. The HT 100 Plate
Handler provides manual track switching (45-0412, 45-0422).
Monitoring Opon
Addion of the Enhancer 3000 allows the researcher to monitor
and track key electrical parameters used in electroporaon
applicaons. The electrical pulse data is captured as both a
graphic display of the waveform and electrical output values
following each experiment.
The ECM 630 is an exponenal decay wave electroporaon
generator providing a broad range of voltage and me constants
for full exibility in varying transfecon applicaons. The ability to
select the resistance and capacitance values, and adjust the range
of voltages is the key to achieving the opmal me constants and
eld strengths needed for ecient transformaon of prokaryote
and eukaryote transfecon. The ECM 630 can perform the widest
range of electroporaon applicaons among commercially
available electroporaon generators.
Flexibility is important to a researcher, so BTX has designed the
ECM 630 to be a plug-and-play system that easily transions
between standard cuvees and 96-well electroporaon plates
using our high throughput plate handler.
Features
• Voltage range from 5 V to 3,000 V
• Time constant
LV 1 ms to 5.158 s
HV 0.5 ms to 133.875 ms
• Arc detecon
• Digital display of actual pulse data
Applicaons
• Transformaon of bacteria and yeast
• Transfecon of mammalian cells
• Transfecon of plant ssue and plant protoplasts
• High throughput 25- and 96-well electroporaon
CAUTION: FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR
CLINICAL OR DIAGNOSTIC USE ON PATIENTS.

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The shipping carton in which your ECM 630 Electroporaon
System is packed has been specically designed to provide
maximum protecon to the instrument during transportaon and
normal handling condions. Upon receipt, the carton should be
examined for any external damage resulng from shipment.
Open the carton and carefully remove the ECM 630 System
and inspect the unit for any apparent damage. Save the carton
and packing materials for future transportaon and shipping
requirements.
Packing Data
Check the packing slip to ensure that all items ordered and listed
are included in the shipment. Inform BTX immediately if any parts
are missing or damaged.
Power Source
As received, the instrument is ready for use with either 100–240 V
AC, 50/60 HZ.
The power requirements are 350 was. In the USA, the power
cord has a standard three prong plug.
Installaon
Once you have determined that the components of the system
have not sustained any obvious damage in shipment, proceed
with the installaon.
Remove the insulang tab from the baery at the base of the unit.
Place the generator in a locaon that is a dry, level, sturdy surface
free from extremes in ambient temperature, dust or chemical
exposures. Allow the device to equilibrate to room temperature.
Unpack the safety dome, cuvee rack and disposable cuvee
chambers. Connect the safety dome, specialty electrode, or the
HT plate handler into the connectors at the boom right-hand
side of the front panel.
Connect the mains/power cord to into the back panel at the
boom le.
Power up the system by pushing the rocker switch located on the
back panel at the boom le. The display will ash the BTX logo.
Once the soware inializes, the Main Menu screen will appear.
You are now ready to begin your work.
Main Power Switch
Fuse Holder
Universal Power Input
USB Serial Input Footswitch Input
(switch sold
separately)
High Voltage Output
Touchscreen Display
Unpacking the System
Remove Battery Insulating Tab.

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Touchscreen Icons Reference
Accept
Used to accept the parameters/sengs on a screen and
advance to the next screen in the menu, also used in
place of a double tap on various icons.
Back
Used to go back one screen.
Cancel
Used to cancel any changes/entries on a screen and
return to the previous screen in the menu.
Exponenal Decay Wave Indicator
Used to indicate when a protocol ulizes exponenal
decay wave pulses.
File Opons
Access the File Opon menu that is used to save,
rename and delete protocols.
Home/Main Menu
Access Preset Protocols, User Protocols and Sengs.
Page Down
Used to page down in a display list.
Page Up
Used to page up in a display list.
Scroll Down
Used to scroll down in a display list.
Scroll Up
Used to scroll up in a display list.
Pre-Pulse Resistance Measurement
Also referred to as Omega Icon. Used to measure the
resistance of the sample prior to delivering the DC
pulse.
Run Protocol
Used to deliver the pulse protocol to the sample.
Sengs
Also referred to as Gear icon. Access the sengs menu
used to adjust the following parameters: Date and Time,
Audible Alarms, Backlighng, and soware updates.
Displays device informaon.
Stop Protocol
Used during the pulse delivery sequence to stop the
progress of the protocol.
Protocol Locked
Indicates that changes to the protocol are currently
locked. Press the icon and enter password to unlock the
protocol.
Protocol Unlocked
Indicates that changes to the protocol are currently
unlocked. Pressing the icon twice will allow the user to
password protect the protocol.
Nocaon Box Quick Reference
Informaon / Status Message
Provides informaon or guidance for next steps,
including acceptable ranges for protocol programming.
Warning Message
Requires Nocaon Box tap for acknowledgement
of informaon, but does not prevent operaon of the
system.
Failure Message
Caused by user input error, failure of a protocol, or a
system error. Requires user to correct this issue in order
to complete the operaon.

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Seng Time/Date
Aer inializing, the home screen will appear.
Tap the Gear icon.
1
1
4
5
2
3
Tap Time/Date icon.
Tap Date icon and use the keypad to type the date.
Tap Time icon and use the keypad to type the me.
Tap the Green Check icon to save and return to the sengs
screen.
Seng Audible Alarm Preferences
On the home screen, tap the Gear icon.
Tap Audible Alarms icon.
Select preferred audible alarms by tapping the icons to acvate
or deacvate.
Tap the Green Check icon to save and return to the sengs
screen.
Software Setup
NOTE: You may change the date and me format by tapping icons to
the right of the given values.

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Seng Backlight Preferences
On the home screen, tap the Gear icon.
Tap Backlight icon. Tap Device Informaon icon.
Select preferred brightness by tapping the icon indicang
% brightness.
Tap the Green Check icon to save and return to the sengs
screen.
View device informaon.
Tap the Green Check icon to return to the sengs screen.
1
1
6
8
7
Displaying Device Informaon
On the home screen, tap the Gear icon.
Software Setup

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10
11
12
Using Preset Protocols
On the home screen, tap the Preset Protocols icon.
Double tap desired cell type.
Scroll through available cells.
Tap desired cells.
13
74
73
Using Preset Protocols (connued)
Review parameters.
Tap Omega icon to measure pre-pulse load resistance.
With load measurement OK, press the Green ‘Go’ icon to run
protocol.
Once protocol is complete, data regarding your pulse is displayed
and stored in the systems logs for future use.
You may connue pulsing, go back to the protocol select screen,
or to the home screen.
Preset Protocols

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10
11
14
Customizing a Preset Protocol
On the home screen, tap the Preset Protocols icon.
Double tap desired cell type.
Scroll through available cells.
Tap desired cells.
Tap Folder icon.
Customizing a Preset Protocol (connued)
Use keyboard to name copy of protocol.
Tap the Green Check icon to save.
Tap the Home icon.
On the home screen, tap User Protocols icon.
16
17
Preset Protocols

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Customizing a Preset Protocol (connued)
Scroll through user protocols to locate the newly saved method.
Double tap the newly saved method.
Tap the parameter(s) requiring customizaon.
Proceed to modify selected parameters.
Tap the Green Check icon to proceed to the run screen.
Preset Protocols

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Double tap New Protocol.
Use keyboard to name protocol.
Tap the Green Check icon to save.
Creang New Protocols
On the home screen, tap User Protocols icon.
17
17
24
Creang New Protocols
On the home screen, tap User Protocols icon.
Tap your newly saved protocol.
Tap the Voltage icon.
Use the numeric keypad to set voltage.
Tap the Green Check icon to save.
Performing Experiments

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Use the numeric keypad to set resistance.
Tap the Capacitance (µF) icon.
Use numeric keypad to set Capacitance.
Tap Green Check icon to accept values.
Tap the Number of Pulses / Pulse Interval icon.
Use the numeric keypad to set the number of pulses.
Creang New Protocols (connued)
Tap the Resistance / Capacitance icon.
26
29
Tap the Pulse Interval (sec) icon.
Use the numeric keypad to set the interval between pulses.
Tap the Green Check icon to save.
Performing Experiments
NOTE: Intervals must only be set when performing mulple pulsing.

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Use the numeric keypad to set the gap between electrodes.
Tap the Green Check icon to save.
Creang New Protocols (connued)
Tap the Electrode Gap icon.
View your protocol.
To run, tap the Omega icon.
32
Tap the Green Check icon to proceed to the run screen.
With load measurement OK, press the Green ‘Go’ icon to run
protocol.
Once protocol is complete, data regarding your pulse is displayed
and stored in the systems logs for future use.
You may connue pulsing, go back to set-up screen, or to the
home screen.
Performing Experiments
NOTE: See the Protocol Manager Soware secon for instrucons on
viewing and downloading log data.

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Review parameters.
Tap Plate Handler icon.
50
52
53
54
51
Using the numeric keypad icon, type the number of columns
being pulsed.
Tap the Green Check icon to save.
Review parameters.
Set the HT plate handler with the correct number of pre-pulse
resistance measurement and DC pulses.
Tap green Informaon Screen to clear message.
Tap the Green ‘Go’ icon to run protocol.
The Red ‘x’ icon can be used to stop the protocol at any me.
Using an HT Plate Handler
Plug the HT Plate Handler into the front ports of the ECM 630 unit.
Select desired protocol (preset protocol or user protocol)
Double tap desired cells.
49
Using Specialty Protocols
NOTE: Generator will display readings aer rst and last pulse of
each column.
NOTE: Note the message box. It will indicate how many pulses should
be set on the HT plate handler. This number will be a combinaon of
both pre-pulse resistance measurements and DC pulses.

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Using Specialty Electrodes
Plug the specialty electrodes into the front ports of the
BTX ECM 630.
Scroll through available protocols.
Double tap desired selecon (Preset Protocol or User Protocol).
Scroll through available ssue/cell types.
Double tap desired ssue/cell.
Review parameters.
Posion electrodes on area being electroporated.
To run tap the Omega icon.
57
80
81
55
56
With load measurement OK, press the Green ‘Go’ icon to run
protocol.
While the pulse is being delivered, the Red ‘x’ icon can be used to
stop the protocol at any me.
79
Using an HT Plate Handler (connued)
Once protocol is complete, data regarding your pulse is displayed
and stored in the systems logs for future use.
You may connue pulsing, go back to the sengs screen or
protocol select screen, or to the home screen.
Using Specialty Protocols
NOTE: Generator will display readings aer rst and last pulse.

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82
Using Specialty Electrodes
Once protocol is complete, data regarding your pulse is displayed
and stored in the systems logs for future use.
You may connue pulsing, go back to the sengs screen or the
protocol select screen, or to the home screen.
Using Specialty Protocols