BLM Workstations
Video- BLM Systems -- Video
fluorescence BLM System.
Researchers interested to work on planar phospholipid
bilayers (BLM) facing a difficult task of assembling an experimental setup
from many pieces of electronic, mechanical and optical equipment.
Eastern Scientific is offering a line of products that can be integrated
into complete system for BLM experiments. Your can get everything
you need for less than $2000* For those
who have little or no experience with BLM we suggest relatively simple
Basic BLM Systam shown in the photograph below.
* Basic configuration:
BVS-100 rig, BLM
Cell,
Amplifier,
Electrodes.
Some assembly required. Recording device (chart recorder, etc) not included.
If magnetic stirrer is required we recommend
MS-21
model with RH-12M or RH-25
RSSM. If standard air table is not available, VIS-xx
antivibration stands are highly recommended.
Video- BLM Systems.
Our advanced setup for video microscopy of BLMs includes
the following components:
1. Metal Enclosure (Faraday Cage), H-28 x W-28 x L-38
cm (11" x 11" x 15") is assembled from aluminum panels and mounted on a
solid aluminum base plate. Base plate has a number of M5 treaded
holes on a 30 mm square patern, providing great flexibility for installing
additional components. Two doors can be widely open and side panels
can be completely removed during preparations for the experiment or closed
for maximum screening of electromagnetic interference. This enclosure
can be used for a variety of electrophysiological application other than
BLM.
2. Mounting hardware for amplifier headstage.
3. Mounting hardware for two syringes. Syringes are mounted
under the base plate and used for injecting solution into BLM cell as required
for making "solvent free" membranes.
4. Video microscope which include 1/3" CCD size format,
monochrome (RS-170 video format) TV camera and 4X, 0.1 NA achromatic lens
with ~14 mm w.d. Overall magnification depends on the size of a video
monitor (not included) and is about 250X for 12" monitor screen. Higher
magnification/resolution can be easily achieved with more powerful lenses.
Camera system is mounted on a linear positioner with 15+ mm travel along
X axis.
5. Illumination system consisting of a LED based light
source and mounting hardware.
6. BLM cell positioner. Equipped with cell holder for
either BC-20 or BC-30 BLM
cells. Has 15+ mm travel along Y axis, and 10+ mm along Z axis.
7. Power supply for video camera and light source.
PART NUMBER: BVS-100
A compact version
of this rig is also available (shown above left with walls removed).
Includes same component as standard one but placed inside 6" high enclosure
mounted on 8"x12" base (15x20x30 cm). Despite small size this system
is very convenient and easy in use. Top cover connected to rear wall
with a long hinge, front and two side are easily removable. If space is
limited BVS-100C
is a solution.
Video
fluorescence BLM System.
FVS-100A optical system
shown here (with enclosure removed) is designed for most advanced studies
on planar lipid bilayers (BLM). Left side of the photograph above
is similar to introduced earlier video BLM system BVS-100,
and used for membrane observation in transmitted light. Right side
is a custom made fluorescent microscope. This system allows combined
electrical and high resolution optical measurements of membrane parameters.
Like other BLM setups, it is assembled on a solid aluminum base plate providing
great flexibility and easiness in installing additional components.
Setup includes:
1. Beamsplitter system with precision stage mechanism
for high power objective lens (Fig.1).
Fig.1
2. Arc lamp housing and mounting hardware.
3. Linear low interference arc lamp power supply.
(PS-100B)
4. Aluminum enclosure (Faraday cage).
5. 12"x24" (or 12"x30") base plate with treaded
(1/4-20 tpi) holes.
6. Four anti vibration legs.
7. Video-camera mounting hardware.
Other components are almost identical to used in BVS-100
setup and include:
1. Mounting hardware for amplifier headstage.
2. Mounting hardware for two syringes.
3. Video microscope (Fig. 2) which include 1/3" CCD size
format, monochrome (RS-170 video format) TV camera and 4X, 0.1 NA, 14 mm
w.d. achromatic lens. Overall magnification depends on the size of
a video monitor (not included) and is about 250X for 12" monitor screen.
Higher magnification/resolution can be easily achieved with more powerful
lenses. Camera system is mounted on a linear positioner with 15+
mm travel along X axis.**
Fig.2
4. Power supply for CCD video camera.
5. BLM cell positioner (Fig.3). Equipped with cell holder
for 20 mm wide BLM cells. Allows cell to be
moved 15+ mm along Y axis, and 10+ mm along Z axis.
Fig.3
We also offering a simplified and less expensive version
of this setup, FVS-100B. In this modification,
video microscope shown in Fig. 2, is replaced with LED based light source.
It allows to use one optical system for both bright field membrane observation,
and for fluorescent microscopy. In most cases the only inconvinience
of this configuration is the absence of low magnification of BLM used during
BLM formation.
Some components required for these setups need to be purchased
separately:
1. 25 mm diameter excitation and emission filters.
2. 20x28 dichroic beamsplittter.
3. High power objective lens.
4. HBO-100 arc lamp*.
5. Intensified CCD camera.
* If you will be using 100W mercury arc lamp. Other lamps
may require housing modifications and power supply from other source.
PART NUMBER: FVS-100A or FVS-100B
Back to the
top of the page
Go
To Prices
HOME
1-17-08 BLMrigs.html