Maximum precision in flow cytometry: Extremely stable & pulsation-free sheath flow for analytical instruments

In medical diagnostics, scientific research, and medicine, flow cytometry is an indispensable method for the accurate analysis and quantification of cells and particles. To achieve reliable and reproducible results, cells must be hydrodynamically focused by an enveloping fluid flow (sheath flow), after which they pass through the optical detection zone one by one. The stability of this fluid flow determines the quality of the entire analysis.

Critical factors in cell analysis

In high-resolution cell analysis, data repeatability is directly linked to fluid dynamics. Fluctuations or variations in flow rate directly affect the exact position of the cell in the measurement zone. To prevent this, state-of-the-art flow cytometers impose strict requirements on the integrated fluid system—both for the sheath fluid and for the pumping of the cell and particle suspensions themselves.

The most important preconditions for an optimal fluid process are:

• Stable sheath flow (1 to 10 ml/min): Guarantees constant flow conditions, even during prolonged cycle periods.
• Pulsation-free dosing: Prevents turbulence and fluctuations in microfluidic channels.
• Mild liquid treatment: Low shear forces protect vulnerable cells from damage.
• Minimum dead volume: Offers efficient medium changes and limits the consumption of expensive reagents.
• Compact OEM integration: Ideal for integration into compact analytical instruments.
• Chemical resistance: Suitable for intensive cleaning and chemical sterilization procedures (CIP/SIP).

  

Precise dosage, impeccable data

As a specialist in precise fluid dosing, Suurmond offers the ideal solution with the low-pressure micro-gear pumps from the HNP-M-series (such as the types mzr-2521 and mzr-2921). 
These compact micropumps are specifically designed to meet the most demanding requirements of flow cytometry. Thanks to their extremely low pulsation operation and low-shear principle, they fully preserve cell integrity while delivering unsurpassed flow stability (dosing precision CV of 1% at low volumes). 

Effortless OEM integration and flexible control

Thanks to their compact size (diameter of only 13 mm) and options such as a built-in variant (manifold assembly M2.1), the pumps can be effortlessly integrated into OEM equipment.
Combined with control options such as the mzr-Touch Control or the S-ND controller, enables Suurmond instrument builders and laboratories to limit downtime to a minimum and achieve maximum data reliability.

Interested in the possibilities?

We are at WoTS at booth 10D051! Hugo Grunder I would be happy to tell you more about it!