Bartels BP7 Piezoelectric Micro Peristaltic Pump

Overview

The Bartels BP7 is a precision-engineered, piezoelectric-driven dual-chamber micro diaphragm pump designed for ultra-low-volume fluid handling in microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip applications. Unlike conventional peristaltic or syringe pumps, the BP7 operates on a volumetric displacement principle enabled by two synchronized piezoceramic actuators that alternately deform opposing PPSU diaphragms within a hermetically sealed, laser-welded laminated structure. This architecture eliminates rotating parts, tubing fatigue, and pulsation artifacts—ensuring continuous, pulse-free flow with high reproducibility across its full operational range (100–14,000 µL/min). Its monolithic construction—fabricated via precision laser welding of medical-grade thermoplastic layers—ensures zero dead volume, minimal carryover, and full compatibility with sterilization protocols including autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min), ethylene oxide (EtO), and gamma irradiation. The BP7 is not a standalone pump module but a core actuation element engineered for integration into regulated life science instrumentation, where long-term stability, material biocompatibility, and regulatory traceability are critical.

Key Features

• Piezoelectric dual-chamber design enables bidirectional, low-noise, energy-efficient actuation without electromagnetic interference
• PPSU-only fluid path ensures USP Class VI and ISO 10993-5 compliance; resistant to hydrolysis, autoclaving, and common organic solvents
• Compact footprint (30 × 15 × 3.8 mm) and ultra-light mass (2 g) facilitate embedding in space-constrained devices such as portable diagnostics, organ-on-chip platforms, and point-of-care analyzers
• Open-source driver firmware and analog/digital control interface (0–5 V, PWM, SPI) support seamless integration with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, LabVIEW, and custom embedded systems
• Rated lifetime of ≥5,000 hours under continuous operation at nominal load—validated per IEC 60601-1 and ISO 13485 design control requirements
• No lubricants, seals, or elastomers in the fluid path—eliminating leachables, swelling, and degradation risks in sensitive biological assays

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BP7 is validated for use with aqueous buffers, cell culture media, serum-containing solutions, low-viscosity reagents (20 mPa·s), aggressive solvents (e.g., acetone, DMSO), or particulate-laden suspensions unless pre-filtered (≥0.22 µm). All wetted materials comply with FDA 21 CFR §177.2475 (PPSU), USP and cytotoxicity testing, and EU MDR Annex I essential requirements. Device-level integration supports GLP/GMP environments through audit-ready documentation packages—including material declarations, RoHS/REACH certificates, and sterilization validation reports—available upon request.

Software & Data Management

The BP7 operates via external driver electronics, which provide real-time flow regulation using closed-loop feedback from optional integrated flow sensors (e.g., MEMS thermal mass flow meters). Firmware supports configurable ramp profiles, programmable duty cycles, and event-triggered start/stop sequences. All control parameters are logged with timestamped metadata in CSV or HDF5 format, enabling full traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with compliant data acquisition software. SDKs for Python, C++, and MATLAB enable automated calibration routines, multi-pump synchronization, and integration into LIMS or electronic lab notebook (ELN) workflows.

Applications

• Cell Culture Perfusion Systems: Stable, shear-controlled medium exchange in 3D scaffolds and organ-on-chip models—maintaining physiological shear stress (<0.05 Pa) without disrupting adherent cell morphology
• Droplet Microfluidics: Precise generation of monodisperse aqueous droplets (20–200 µm diameter) in oil phases for digital PCR, single-cell encapsulation, and emulsion-based synthesis
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Reagent metering and sample aspiration in cartridge-based immunoassays and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs)
• Microscale Flow Chemistry: Controlled delivery of catalysts, substrates, and quenching agents in segmented flow reactors with residence time accuracy ±2%
• Lab Automation Interfaces: OEM integration into liquid handlers, microplate washers, and high-throughput screening platforms requiring silent, non-magnetic fluid actuation

FAQ

Is the BP7 compatible with sterile filtration and terminal sterilization?
Yes—the entire fluid path is composed solely of PPSU, validated for repeated autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min, saturated steam) and single-cycle gamma irradiation (25 kGy).
Can the BP7 be used for gas transfer?
It is optimized for liquid handling; while capable of moving air or inert gases at low differential pressures (<50 kPa), it is not rated for vacuum or high-pressure gas applications.
Does Bartels provide flow calibration certificates?
Calibration data (flow vs. voltage curves) is supplied with each unit; NIST-traceable calibration services are available upon request for regulated applications.
What is the minimum recommended tubing inner diameter for inlet/outlet connections?
We recommend 100–250 µm ID fused silica or fluoropolymer capillaries; larger diameters (>500 µm) may reduce backpressure sensitivity and dynamic response.
How does the BP7 compare to syringe-based microfluidic pumps?
Unlike syringe pumps, the BP7 offers true continuous flow without refilling, zero mechanical backlash, sub-millisecond response times, and immunity to syringe plunger stiction—critical for long-duration perfusion experiments.