The XenoWorks Micromanipulator has been designed around our hugely-successful MP-285 electrophysiology micromanipulator, with the addition of a smooth-moving adjustable inverted joystick. Because the motor drive is based on an electrophysiology design, the XenoWorks Micromanipulator is extremely stable and resistant to ambient vibration. This stability also makes this manipulator an ideal platform for use in conjunction with the PrimeTech PMM-150FU piezo impact drive for applications such as mouse nuclear transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

The joystick offers an unprecedented level of user comfort during operation. The use of an inverted joystick in conjunction with an almost zero-profile base allows the operator to rest their hands and forearms on the bench surface, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. The function keys can be located and activated by touch, obviating the need to look away from the microscope, saving time. Another time saving feature is the "Setup" function. Activating the setup function places the micromanipulator in the optimum position prior to beginning work (halfway on the Y-axis, three-quarters down on the Z-axis and three-quarters inwards on the X-axis). Once the manipulator is in the default setup position, the micropipette tip will already be projecting into the microscope's optical path, reducing the time taken to find the pipette tip through the microscope. The setup function also ensures an adequate travel range in all axes of motion prior to starting work.


The micromanipulator uses a pre-programmed "Home" position for fast micropipette exchange, and the ability to determine a "Work" position so the pipette can be repositioned with the press of a button. A Y-axis lockout function allows X-only axial movement for maximum control during injections, and a Z-limit memory position is used to prevent the pipette from colliding with the bottom of the dish.


The XenoWorks joystick is designed to allow the user to immediately develop an intuitive feel that makes it easy to precisely control position. Movement of the joystick is directly converted to a proportional movement of the manipulator. Speed control, center of travel, and programmable positions are right at your fingertips. One unique feature of the joystick is the declutch mechanism that allows for rapid repositioning of the joystick without moving the pipette. Combining this advanced joystick with the proven Sutter MP-285 manipulator technology creates an ideal system for intensive microinjection.

The configuration of any microinjection system will depend upon the application for which it is used. Some common applications and system configurations are:

- Zygote pronuclear DNA microinjection
- Embryonic stem cell transfer into blastocyst
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Piezo-assisted ICSI
- Microinjection of cultured, adherent cells
- Somatic cell nuclear transfer