Patch-clamp system

Over the last 20 years, electrophysiology rigs have developed around several platforms. In all, the central concept is that manipulators and the sample are fixed in one frame, and the microscope is fixed in a second frame. These two separate frames of reference are then moved with respect to each other in order to locate cells. Sutter Instrument is now offering several systems, or "Big Kits", that include dual manipulators with: either manipulator stands and scope translator; or large moving stage and a dual manipulator system. By specifying and offering the Big Kit systems, Sutter is able to extend significant price savings over the same components purchased separately. Sutter San Francisco... the classic moving scope design with manual translator and three columns and two manipulators. Developed by labs at UCSF and later adopted throughout the Bay area, the U.S., and the world. This method allows for easy hand access to controls on the scope and manipulators, for pipette exchange and other adjustments. Sutter Alcatraz... another well proven design, relies on a manual scope translator but uses a single large fixed plate stage rather than separate stands for manipulators. Many electrophysiologists want the ability to add additional manipulators or other devices that a single large platform allows.