This protocol describes an easy method for calibrating micropipette tips that have been pulled in the laboratory. It is essential to estimate the internal diameter of the pulled micropipette tip when adjusting parameters for a new puller or new type of glass tubing. A tip diameter of ~0.3 µm is optimal for the microinjection of mammalian cells in culture (e.g., CHO, PtK1, and COS-7). A 10% increase in diameter increases the delivery rate by more than 30% and can cause cell damage. - [Read Calibration of Micropipette Tips Protocols]
The cytotoxic effect of test chemicals in V79 cell culture can be determined by assessing damage to the plasma membrane as determined by a nucleic acid leakage assay. - [Read V79 Cytotoxicity Test for Membrane Damage]