The method works with any type of capillary except those made from quartz. However, we recommend using capillaries with a filament.
Inverted Microscope
Microscope
Leica
DM IL (or similar)
Any simple inverted microscope will do. However, it is essential to have sufficient magnification to see pipettes during polishing. We use a 100x metallurgical lens with a long working distance for this purpose.
Microforge Kit
Tool
ALA Science
CPM-2
Supplies polishing coil, controller and foot pedal.
Air pressure source
Tool
ALA Science
PR-60
Accessory for providing high pressure, includes a suitable valve. Alternatively, compressed air from the building can be used together with a filter/regulator (set to 40 PSI) and a 4-way valve (see below)
4-way valve
Tool
Cole-Parmer
A-98150-01
Fittings will be needed to couple valve to tubing
Pipette Holder with Luer Connector
Tool
World Precision Instruments
MPH-6S20
Use a male luer-to-barb fitting to connect pipette holder to high-pressure tubing
Tygon® tubing
Tool
Cole-Parmer
06408-62
Use this tubing to connect pipette holder to 4-way valve
Johnson, B. E., Brown, A. L., Goodman, M. B. Pressure-polishing Pipettes for Improved Patch-clamp Recording. J. Vis. Exp. (20), e964, doi:10.3791/964 (2008).