Xtend™ Capillary and Solid Microarray Pins

FEATURES

Excellent Spotting Uniformity

Deposition through capillary channel significantly improves spots uniformity compare to split pins even when printing liquids with different viscosity.

Deposition Repeatability

The capillary construction enables the deposition of an equal amount of liquid regardless of viscosity and external conditions, such as temperature and humidity.

Controllable Uptake Volume

Typically, microarray printing pins uptake enough sample material for hundreds of spots but deposit only a few dozen. The remaining material is wasted in the washing apparatus before the next sample pick-up. Precious biological material can be saved for further prints if pins could uptake only the necessary amount of liquid for the required number of spots. In LabNEXT, the printing pins' deposition capillary is followed by a large volume channel that allows for the pickup of liquid sufficient for hundreds of spots. The volume of liquid that pins pick up depends on how long the pins were submerged in the liquid. LabNEXT microarrayers includes relevant software settings that allow for the control of uptake volume, picking up only the minimal required amount.

Zero Evaporation

Thanks to its tubular construction, the liquid is enclosed within the capillary, preventing evaporation during the printing run

Zero Cross-sample contamination

The simple shape of Xtend pins dramatically simplifies the cleaning process. Coupled with the ultra-smooth inert ceramic surface of the pin, it completely eliminates the risk of cross-sample contamination.

Low Prespotting Requirements

Using Xtend printing pins allows for savings on prespotting slides. Thanks to the smooth non-adhesive finish, pins do not accumulate excessive liquid on their outer surface. Two prespotting hits are sufficient to start printing uniform spots, and for most printing jobs, only one prespotting slide is required.

Chemical Inertness

Xtend composite pins are made of chemically inert material that does not contaminate the printing substance.

Corrosion Resistance

Xtend pins can withstand aggressive chemical environments and can operate and be cleaned with strong acids and solvents.

Wear Resistance

Xtend Pins are made of a material that wears out 10 times slower than glass. These pins can withstand millions of hits without noticeable changes in geometry. Xtend pins last hundreds times longer than any metal pins.

Easy Handling

Xtend pins are more forgiving in handling than most other pins on the market, partly due to the strength of the material they are made of and partly due to their more rigid tubular construction.