NPI PDES-02DX User manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION FOR THE
PDES-02DX
PNEUMATIC DRUG EJECTION
SYSTEM
(with digital timers and digital manometers – PDES-02DX-LA)
VERSION 2.0
npi 2013
npi electronic GmbH, Bauhofring 16, D-71732 Tamm, Germany
Phone [phone]; Fax: [phone]
[email protected]; http://www.npielectronic.com

PDES-02DX-LA User Manual
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version 1.3 page 2
Table of Contents
1. Safety Regulations............................................................................................................ 3
2. PDES-2DX System .......................................................................................................... 4
2.1. System Description...................................................................................................... 4
2.2. Description of the Front Panel..................................................................................... 5
2.3. Description of the Rear Panel...................................................................................... 7
2.4. External Valves ........................................................................................................... 8
Remote Valve Plate..................................................................................................... 8
microJECT micro Valve Pipette Holder...................................................................... 9
2.5. Operation..................................................................................................................... 10
3. Literature.......................................................................................................................... 13
General Methods ......................................................................................................... 13
General ........................................................................................................................ 13
Microinjection into Oocytes........................................................................................ 14
Fast drug application with microJECT (EHM)........................................................... 14
4. Technical Data.................................................................................................................. 15

PDES-02DX-LA User Manual
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version 1.3 page 3
1. Safety Regulations
VERY IMPORTANT:Instruments and components supplied by npi electronic are NOT
intended for clinical use or medical purposes (e.g. for diagnosis or treatment of
humans), or for any other life-supporting system. npi electronic disclaims any
warranties for such purpose. Equipment supplied by npi electronic must be operated
only by selected, trained and adequately instructed personnel. For details please consult
the GENERAL TERMS OF DELIVERY AND CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS of npi
electronic, D-71732 Tamm, Germany.
1) GENERAL: This system is designed for use in scientific laboratories and must be
operated by trained staff only. General safety regulations for operating electrical devices
should be followed.
2) AC MAINS CONNECTION: While working with the npi systems, always adhere to the
appropriate safety measures for handling electronic devices. Before using any device
please read manuals and instructions carefully.
The device is to be operated only at 115/230 Volt 60/50 Hz AC. Please check for
appropriate line voltage before connecting any system to mains.
Always use a three-wire line cord and a mains power-plug with a protection contact
connected to ground (protective earth).
Before opening the cabinet, unplug the instrument.
Unplug the instrument when replacing the fuse or changing line voltage. Replace fuse
only with an appropriate specified type.
3) STATIC ELECTRICITY: Electronic equipment is sensitive to static discharges. Some
devices such as sensor inputs are equipped with very sensitive FET amplifiers, which can
be damaged by electrostatic charge and must therefore be handled with care. Electrostatic
discharge can be avoided by touching a grounded metal surface when changing or
adjusting sensors. Always turn power off when adding or removing modules,
connecting or disconnecting sensors, headstages or other components from the
instrument or 19” cabinet.
4) TEMPERATURE DRIFT / WARM-UP TIME: All analog electronic systems are
sensitive to temperature changes. Therefore, all electronic instruments containing analog
circuits should be used only in a warmed-up condition (i.e. after internal temperature has
reached steady-state values). In most cases a warm-up period of 20-30 minutes is
sufficient.
5) HANDLING: Please protect the device from moisture, heat, radiation and corrosive
chemicals.
HIGH PRESSURE PRECAUTIONS: While working with PDES systems and components,
always adhere to the appropriate safety measures for handling high pressure pneumatic
systems. Before using the PDES or any external pneumatic device please read the manual and
instructions carefully.
 Always turn off pressure source before connecting or disconnecting the PDES system.
 Any component used (tubes, fittings etc.) must be specified for the maximum possible
pressure.
 Do not use any aggressive, combustible or explosive gases. Only gases such as air,
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, etc. are allowed.
 Use only dry, oil free, filtered gases (max. 5 µm filter is allowed).
 Maximum input pressure must be below 5 bar (1 bar = 100,000 Pa). npi recommends an
input pressure of 1 bar more than the maximum output pressure.

PDES-02DX-LA User Manual
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2. PDES-2DX System
2.1. System Description
Pressure ejection is a convenient method for applying both ionic and non-ionic solutions from
micropipettes. This method is popular for two reasons. First, it can apply to almost all
solutions. Second, the amount of solution ejected can be monitored by viewing the tip of the
micropipette under a microscope.
The PDES-2DX is designed for pressure ejection of drugs in physiological and
pharmacological studies. PDES systems are equipped with high pressure outputs (Pmax = 2 bar
/ 29 psi or 4 bar / 58 psi) for drug application with fine-tipped micropipettes, but can also be
operated in low-range pressure for controlled droplet application from large-tipped pipettes.
Digital timers and a remote control unit facilitate the use of these instruments.
In order to speed up drug ejection, PDES-2DX systems are available with the microJect
option. These systems are equipped with a micro valve located in an injection holder. The
micro valve has a switch time of less than 1 ms and a very small volume that has to be
controlled, resulting in application times in the ms range.
The PDES-2DX is housed in a 19" cabinet that can be mounted in a rack. It comprises of two
channels. Two systems can be combined to form a 4 channel system. Each channel consists of
a precision pressure regulator, a digital pressure display, electronically controlled valves,
control electronics and a regulated power supply. Ejection of drugs can be activated manually
or via a TTL input. The operational status is indicated by a red/green LED. The pressure
output is monitored at a BNC output (1V / bar) and additionally the signal for pressure control
is available via TTL OUT BNC connector. Optionally, each channel can be equipped with an
"EXHAUST" coupling whereby a low "retain" pressure can be applied (analogous to the
"retaining" current used in iontophoretic systems).
Mode of operation and timing is selected by controls at the front panel. If the internal timers
are used, the eject time is preset by a control. Each channel can be turned off by using a
switch that is combined with the timing control. The operational status is indicated by a
red/green LED. Red means that the channel has been turned on and the valve is closed, green
indicates that the valve is open and injection takes place.
The remote control unit (option) is housed in a small box. For each channel it has a red LED
that indicates if the respective channel is turned on and a toggle switch with a temporary and a
fix position for starting drug application.
The pressure connectors (quick connect type) are located at the rear panel of the instrument.
Each channel is equipped with an INPUT coupling where the pressure source is connected, an
OUTPUT coupling where the injection pipette is connected, and optionally, an EXHAUST
coupling where a low "hold" pressure can be applied in order to avoid capillary effects at the
tip of the injection pipette or to apply a "retain" negative pressure (analogous to the
"retaining" current used in iontophoretic systems). The "retain" pressure must be generated by
an additional pneumatic device. Please contact npi electronic for details.
The injection pressure is preset by a precision pressure regulator. The pressure is displayed on
a digital manometer. Additional pneumatic devices (tubes, fittings connectors, filters etc.) are
available. Please contact npi electronic for details.
A calibration procedure allowing quantitative drug application is described by Hofmeier and
Lux (1981) (see chapter 3).

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2.2. Description of the Front Panel
Figure 1: PDES-2DX front panel view (the numbers are related to those in the text below)