The PLI-100 Pico-Injector reliably delivers a wide range of volumes through micropipettes by applying a regulated pressure for a digitally set period of time. Compressed gas allows the user to deliver desired volumes from femtoliters to microliters while simultaneously holding a cell. Whether you need to do large injections into capillaries or very small injections into mammalian nuclei, the PLI-100 is well suited for your experiment.

The PLI-100 has become a favorite of prestigious national microinjection workshops like Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories and other researchers worldwide. Other companies have tried to design similar systems, but the PLI-100 remains unparalleled in terms of ease of use, durability, precision, and cost.

Researchers Say:
“The PLI-100 is very robust, in constant use in our lab.”
“Most importantly, the PLI-100 valves prevent cytosol and yolk backflow into my pipette after oocyte injection.”
“It’s very easy to control.”
“The PLI-100 is heavily used on a daily basis, and works great.”
“I like the fact that I can use the PLI-100 with TTL pulses.”
“It works great in conjunction with my imaging system.”
“The balance pressure is a good option.”
“My injection pipettes rarely clog.”

Easy to Use
Inject with the touch of a button or a tap of the foot switch — it’s as easy as that!

Reproducible
Pressure to the pipette is controlled precisely through a multi-turn regulator, and is reported digitally for easy repeat. Injection time is digitally controlled in 10 msec steps between 0.01 to 0.99 seconds (and in 1 second steps between 1 to 99 seconds). Pipette tip diameter, and hence delivered volume, are easy determinations once the timing and pressure are known.

Versatile
Deliver volumes from femtoliters to microliters with the same instrument, resulting in a wide range of applications.

Pressure Capabilities
The PLI-100 features two negative and three positive pressure pneumatic capabilities.

The negative, or vacuum functions allow the user to:
1. Fill micropipettes from their tips, reducing wastage of valuable injectables.
2. Provide a means to secure and manipulate a cell using a holding pipette.

The positive pressures allow the user to:
1. Eject precise amounts of fluids.
2. Create a balance pressure which prevents backflow into the micropipette following an injection.
3. Clear a micropipette of material in it.

Unique Features
The PLI-100’s important ‘Balance’, ‘Hold’ and ‘Clear’ functions are features not found on other microinjection units.

Balance
In addition to the ejection pressure, the Pico-Injector offers a secondary balance pressure. This adjustable pressure keeps a positive pressure on the injection pipette before and after injections. This eliminates dilution caused by capillary action and aids in the prevention of clogging. Wasteful continuous injection, which often occurs when no separate balance pressure is offered by an injection device, is avoided.

Fill/Hold
There are two built-in vacuum generators to fill a micropipette from the tip and to hold suspended cells. Filling the pipette from the tip is easier than back filling. Suspended cells can be held with a second (holding) pipette. The holding vacuum’s range accommodates most cell types.

Clear
A high-pressure pulse can be used for clearing a pipette, should it happen to clog. This is particularly useful when working with pipettes sized for smaller volumes.

Electrical Connectors
BNC type connectors are available at the front panel to ease integrating the Pico-Injector with other equipment. Synchronization of injections to other stimulations or recordings is therefore possible.

Selection Guidelines
The PLI-100 is available in three packages: Plus, Basic and Deluxe. The basic unit is supplied with an input hose, output hose, holding hose, power cord and instruction manual. The plus unit also includes a foot switch, pipette holder and input hose adapter. The deluxe unit includes all the previously mentioned accessories plus an additional foot switch and one pipette holder.