How INFUSETEK syringe pump propels microfluidics research at University of Heidelberg2024/08/29The Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials at Heidelberg University has incorporated DK INFUSETEK's high-performance intelligent syringe pump as an important component into the microfluidic station.ISPLab01 in Microfluidic Station Equipment List at IMSEAMIn 2022, the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM) was established at Heidelberg University, the oldest university in Germany, founded in 1386. The mission of the IMSEAM is to create new materials, methods and technologies from synthetic and natural building blocks at the molecular level, considering complete systems from molecule to function. Four research groups and two junior research groups are currently working at IMSEAM on basic principles and applications for materials development, organic electronics, environmental technology and medicine. IMSEAM also offers core facilities in the field of device fabrication and characterization (IMSEAM core Facility), soft (bio) materials characterization and microfluidics for other universities. Core Facility for Microfluidics ResearchMain Equipment in Microfluidic StationMicrofluidics is an emerging field and is finding use in various disciplines. Starting from understanding flow mechanisms, to the generation of synthetic cells with droplet-based microfluidics, continuous flow microfluidics to complex organ-on-a-chip models. The Microfluidic station aims to provide valuable tools to every interested research group at the University. Among the microfluidic related instruments, syringe pump is a fundamental but critical one, it’s one of the most common methods used to transfer medium into the microfluidic chip, and capable of operating with very accurate and precise volumetric flow rates, ranging from milliliters to picoliters.Researcher setting up a microfluidics systemWith a 4.8" touchscreen and user-friendly control system, the pump is incredibly easy to use, and the working status can be monitored intuitively, which enables the researchers to use the pump instantly and save their valuable time. The pump is designed and has been proven to be a super durable and reliable device, which could greatly reduce the time researchers spend on equipment maintenance.ISPLab01 used for transferring polystyrene beads During the research about establishing a novel method to modify microfluidic chips with thermoresponsive hydrogels using two-photon polymerized direct laser writing, which is conducted by Selhuber-Unkel Group, ISPLab01 had been widely used to transfer deionized water, polystyrene beads and cell solution, which again proved how important the syringe pump plays a role in laboratory.References1. Microfluidics Core Facility- Microfluidics Equipmenthttps://www.imseam.uni-heidelberg.de/en/core-facilities/scientific-facility-for-microfabrication-and-microfluidics/microfluidics-equipment2. Molecular Systems Science and Engineering | Master program at Heidelberg Universityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzTIgYS_LNk3. Two-Photon Direct Laser Writing of pNIPAM Actuators in Microchannels for Dynamic Microfluidicshttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aisy.202300829
1. Plug in and turn on Automated Lateral Flow Reagent Dispenser (ALFRD) unit and external syringe pump.2. Program syringe pump flow rate according to manufacturer’s instructions. a. See Figures 2 and 3 in Appendix A for recommended flow rates. b. ClaremontBio recommends using DK INFUSETEK SPLab/ISPLab Series Syringe Pump. 3. Select voltage on power supply. A range of 4.5 – 6V is recommended. a. If a faster head speed is desired, a power supply can connected in lieu of the provided power supply; However, 12V is the maximum voltage that can be used for the ALFRD. Figure 1. Voltage dependence on head speed: Voltage of ALFRD varied from 0 to 12V. Distance travelled = 30 cm.4. Secure dispense tips into desired placement slot on dispense tip head using provided Allen wrench. a. For best results, position tips very close to the membrane surface, without direct contact (unless contact is desired). i. Actual height is dependent on membrane type and thickness. b. Tips positioned too high may result in liquid droplet formation or uneven lines. c. To test positioning, place membrane on dispense table and initiate switch to cause table to move. Drag on membrane will be apparent. i. Once desired height is established, it may be helpful to mark position on metal post of dispense tip with a permanent marker.5. Once dispense reagents have been prepared, remove air bubbles prior to use in ALFRD (i.e. quick centrifugation, nitrogen air purge). a. A volume of 200 µl or greater is recommended. b. When solution is running out during dispensing, lines will appear thinner and may produce varying results. 6. Draw up each solution into a syringe, taking care to minimize air bubbles.7. Attach tubing to blunt syringe needle and secure filled syringes on syringe pump according to manufacturer’s instructions.8. Turn on syringe pump to prime solution(s) through tubing and dispense. Turn off pump and wipe away residual liquid.9. Secure membrane onto ALFRD dispense table using magnets.10. Turn on syringe pump, followed immediately by dispense table switch.11. Once dispense tips have reached the end of the table and stopped, turn off the pump.12. Remove membrane from table.13. Return dispense tips to their original position by reversing the table switch.14. Wipe off any residual liquid from table.15. Repeat for each membrane as necessary.
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