What are the Sensapex uM Patch Clamp Workstations?

The Sensapex uM Patch Clamp Workstations are fully integrated, automated systems designed to transform micropipette-based research. By combining the uMs motorized microscope, uMp micromanipulators, and uMc automated pressure controllers in a single coordinated platform, the uM workstations automate the most laborious steps in patch clamp electrophysiology, microinjection, and single-cell analysis — enabling researchers to focus on science rather than technique.

Built around Sensapex's proprietary ZERO DRIFT™ technology and a fully digital, Ethernet-based control architecture, the uM workstations deliver synchronized positioning of the pipette tip, sample stage, and objective with closed-loop pressure control — all in real time. Whether you are running in vitro or in vivo patch clamp, viral vector microinjections, or cell picking for single-cell genomics, the uM workstation concept scales from a classic manual setup to a fully automated high-throughput workflow.

Key Features

• Modular and scalable architecture: Start with a basic workstation and expand to fully automated multi-pipette configurations. The open, modular design supports up to 8 uMp micromanipulators around a single sample stage.
• Synchronized closed-loop control: All axes — sample, pipette tip, and objective — are position-controlled in closed-loop, providing the accuracy and repeatability needed for demanding automated workflows and long recordings.
• Touchscreen and software control: The uMp-TSC touchscreen unit provides stand-alone operation for all Sensapex devices with quick-access buttons and programmable movement sequences. Full PC control is available via the open-source Sensapex SDK over Ethernet.
• 1-click automated pipette cleaning: Integrated with uMc pressure controllers, the TSC touchscreen allows single-click automated pipette cleaning for immediate reuse — dramatically increasing experimental throughput.
• Open-source SDK for advanced automation: Control the entire workstation programmatically using Python or other languages through the open-source Sensapex SDK, built on Ethernet for ultra-low control latency.
• Affordable and future-proof: Designed for broad adoption with a modular architecture that protects your investment — add components as your research evolves without replacing the platform.

Workstation Configurations

The uM workstation is available in several pre-configured bundles. The uM-Patch Classic provides a single-manipulator setup with the uMs-FN1 motorized microscope, fixed physiology stage, and standard Nikon FN1 optics — ideal for researchers stepping up from manual setups. The uM-Patch Plus doubles the manipulator count and adds motorized XY translation and high-performance IR-DIC imaging. The Quad Slice Patch configuration supports four simultaneous pipettes with automated pipette cleaning and wide-field sCMOS imaging, suited for connectivity studies and high-throughput single-cell analysis workflows.

Applications

• In vitro patch clamp recordings on acute brain slices and cultured neurons
• In vivo whole-cell patch clamp in anesthetized or awake rodents
• Single-cell microinjection for viral vector (AAV) delivery
• Cell picking and aspiration for single-cell RNA sequencing
• Multi-cell connectivity studies and cortical circuit mapping
• Automated high-throughput electrophysiology and imaging workflows