KeyĀ Features
- Single-droplet volume 10Ā nL to 5Ā ĀµL
- Up to 50Ā Hz dispensing frequency
- Volume accuracy cv 2Ā % to 5Ā %
- Bulk dispensing or Aspirate/Dispense types
- Glass capillary or disposable, plastic tip
- Quick change of capillary switch to tip
Functional Principle
The functional principle of nanoliter liquid dispensers revolves around an ultra-fast solenoid valve and two independent parameters: pressure and valve-opening time. These parameters determine the dispense volume. For small volumes (< 50 nanoliters), fast volume displacement is used for dispensing, while larger volumes are dispensed by overlaying a pressure-driven flow.
To compensate for the dispensing of more viscous liquids, the valve opening time can be reduced by raising the pressure. Additionally, if splashing occurs on the target surface, the liquid impact velocity can be reduced to prevent any unwanted effects.
Dispensing Modes
- Stop-to-spot with Z-moves: The dispenser stops for each droplet deposition and moves up and down between consecutive positions to bypass possible obstacles. These movements cost time but can be necessary when dispensing onto specific locations of a non-planar, 3-dimensional target.
- Stop-to-spot, no Z-moves: Without the need to move the head up between consecutive positions, dispensing is much faster. This is always the case when dispensing onto planar targets.
- On-the-fly: The dispenser āfliesā over the target and releases a droplet on defined positions during the flight. That way, up to 50 droplets per second can be deposited, each at its own specific coordinates.
Single-Droplet Volume Range
The M2-MicroDispenser covers the entire range of single-droplet volumes, ranging from 10 nanoliters to 5 microliters. Instead of dispensing multiple smaller droplets for nanoliter volumes, the dispenser can deliver a larger droplet. The advantages of dispensing a larger droplet include reduced risk of splashing (satellite drops) and increased dispensing speed. It is recommended to operate the dispenser at a maximum frequency of 20 Hz, although higher frequencies may be achievable depending on the properties of the liquid being dispensed.
Two Kinds of Dispensing Tip
Our nano dispenser offers two types of dispensing tip, allowing users to choose the most suitable option for their specific application. The first option is a thin glass capillary with a tapered end, while the second option is a conically shaped, disposable, plastic tip. The choice between these two tips depends on factors such as the nature of the liquid and the desired dispensing precision.
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