What is the Sensapex uMc Automated Pressure Control?

The Sensapex uMc is a range of compact, high-precision automated pressure controllers designed to simplify and standardise pressure application in life science experiments. From patch clamp seal formation and membrane break-in to puff application of compounds and automated pipette cleaning, the uMc series replaces inconsistent manual approaches — mouth pipetting and syringes — with programmable, closed-loop pressure delivery that delivers reproducible results every time.

The uMc range includes three product series: the uMc-PPC for general patch clamp pressure control, the uMc-CLN for automated pipette cleaning, and the uMc-INJ for precision injections. All models are fully integrated into the Sensapex control ecosystem, operated via the uMp-TSC touchscreen or through the open-source SDK for advanced automation workflows.

Key Features

• Closed-loop pressure control: All uMc devices apply pressure through a feedback-controlled loop, ensuring accurate, repeatable delivery at pre-set levels — eliminating the variability of manual syringe or mouth pipetting.
• Fast pressure switching: Rapidly switch between multiple pre-set pressure levels or apply user-defined pressure in real time — ideal for seal formation, break-in, and compound puffing sequences.
• Available in 2, 4, and 8-channel configurations: Scale from single-pipette experiments to high-throughput multi-patch setups with the appropriate channel count for your workflow.
• TSC touchscreen integration: Operate and configure all uMc devices from the uMp-TSC touchscreen unit with dedicated quick buttons for common pressure protocols, including 1-click pipette cleaning.
• External trigger support: All uMc devices accept external trigger signals for synchronised pressure application in automated or imaging-triggered workflows.
• Compact, rack-free design: No 19″ rack required — the uMc units sit directly on the bench or are mounted near the setup for convenient access.

uMc Product Series

The uMc-PPC series (2-, 4-, and 8-channel) is the original general-purpose pressure controller for patch clamp experiments, supporting the full range of pressure protocols from gigaseal formation to whole-cell break-in and puff application. The uMc-CLN series is optimised for automated pipette cleaning, allowing 1-click reuse of patch pipettes for up to 100 sequential recordings without changing the glass. The uMc-INJ series (2-channel) is designed for highly controlled microinjections into tissue or cells, with precise timing and pressure delivery for consistent injection volumes.

Applications

• Whole-cell patch clamp seal formation, break-in, and recording
• Puff application of drugs, neurotransmitters, or ions to cells
• Automated pipette cleaning for high-throughput multi-cell recordings
• Viral vector (AAV) microinjection into brain tissue
• Pressure-assisted pipette tip clearing during tissue penetration
• Triggered pressure delivery synchronised with imaging or stimulation