Model 1550A Solution Dispenser

 

Overview

The CHI1550A solution dispenser is designed for making high density and high accuracy solution arrays. Solution arrays are widely used in chemical, biological and medical applications. The solution dispenser consists of a high resolution three dimensional positioner, a piezoelectric jetting device, and a sample platform. The diagram is shown in Figure 1.1.

solution dispenser
Figure 1. Diagram of the solution dispenser

The three dimensional positioner can travel 50 mm distance for all three axes with 0.1 micrometer resolution. This allows high precision patterning. This is particularly important when multiple overlapping solution components need to be dispensed.

The jetting device can dispense single drop of fluids. Typical fluids successfully jetted in this device have viscosity less than 40 centipoise and surface tension in the range of 0.02-0.07 N/m. Fluids with properties outside these limits can be jetted if changes to the properties can e achieved with solvents or changes in temperature. With a default 60 micron orifice size, the jetting device can produce drops ranging from 100-200 picoliters in volume depending on the operating parameters and fluids.

The CHI1550A solution dispenser control software is very user-friendly for creating binary, ternary and quadruple arrays of spots containing mixtures of solutions. Instead of using a manually created look-up table for solution dispensing patterns, the software will assist the pattern creation process. The software can also provide commonly used patterns as default for binary, ternary and quaternary arrays. The positioner can memorize certain critical positions, such as the solution loading point and first dispensing point. This will help the jetting device to go to these positions easily and quickly.

The array pattern can be examined graphically. During the dispensing process, the array pattern will also be displayed.

solution dispenser
 
Figure 3. Micropositioner and sample stand

 

System requirements

Operating System: PC with Microsoft Windows 95 / 98 / NT /Me/ 2000 / XP / Vista / 7

Communication: RS-232 serial port or USB