Multichannel Systems Roboocyte2 Manual - Manual (Page 7)

Introduction
3
Operation Summary
 The integrated TEVC amplifier operates in voltage and current clamp mode.
 Instead of having a vast amount of different pull down menus, there is one clearly structured
menu bar and also a toolbar presenting commonly used commands. Therefore, you will quickly
become familiar with the Roboocyte2.
 The first step is to set up your "virtual" well plate according to your "real" well plate and the
experiment. The virtual well plate is visualized in a 12 x 8 grid as the real one, and therefore
it is easy to overview and to handle.
 For managing high throughput compound screens, enter compounds and concentrations
in the Liquid Handling spreadsheet. This information is linked to the corresponding data traces
and filed into the database.
 Select the oocytes that you want to record or load a customizable file.
 Then simply start the recording sequence by mouse click. The run will proceed automatically
until finished or interrupted by the user.
 Information about the plate and the current state of all oocytes is displayed and updated online
on the screen.
 You may save the well plate and load it later to proceed with your experiment or to review
and analyze your data.
 Basic analysis features and export filters are included, for example P/n leak subtraction, graphs.
The Roboocyte2 Hardware
The Roboocyte2 is compatible with standard lab equipment and can be easily integrated in your
working environment. Software controls for adjusting the amplifier replace any knobs on the
device. The Roboocyte2 is straightforward and easy to operate; handling does not require special
skills or special equipment.
Recording and cultivation of Xenopus oocytes is performed using disposable standard 96 well
plates, which are commercially available from several providers. MCS recommends 96 well plates
from NUNC. The oocytes are plated into the wells in a couple of minutes and can be kept for
several days. They quickly settle within the cone-shaped wells and adhere to the well bottom
after a few hours. The oocytes do not have to leave the plate anymore; you can easily transfer
the oocytes from the incubator to the Roboocyte2 and back again.
The well plate carrier, powered by linear motors, hovers smoothly and noise free on a cushion
of compressed air above the magnetic x/y table. The carrier operates at a resolution of 20 μm.
The complete system does not require maintenance other than occasional cleaning of the steel
plate.
The vertically moving z-arm, holding the TEVC probe, is designed specifically for the demand
of high speed and precision. The z-arm moves at a resolution of 10 μm; position and speed are
computer-controlled.
The status display of the Roboocyte2 shows the current state of the Roboocyte2 and the
settings.
A quick alignment process guarantees that the oocytes are impaled precisely.
The ClampAmpC is a specifically designed digital TEVC amplifier and is completely automated.
Ready to use TEVC probes allow a quick and easy handling. The ClampAmpC is an advanced
version for the recording of fast sodium channels, with a faster rise time and a higher
sampling rate.