Cellix 4U Pump High-Precision Microfluidic Pressure Controller

Overview

The Cellix 4U Pump is a high-precision, four-channel microfluidic pressure controller engineered for demanding applications requiring stable, pulseless, and programmable flow delivery in low-volume fluidic systems. Based on regulated pneumatic pressure actuation—rather than peristaltic or syringe-based displacement—the 4U Pump delivers true laminar, non-pulsating flow across its four independent channels. This architecture eliminates mechanical pulsation artifacts common in positive-displacement pumps, making it especially suitable for sensitive biological assays, droplet generation, shear-dependent cell studies, and multi-layer fluid interfacing where flow stability directly impacts experimental reproducibility. Designed and manufactured in Ireland, the system integrates seamlessly into both academic microfluidics labs and regulated industrial R&D environments, supporting traceable operation under GLP-aligned workflows.

Key Features

• Four independently addressable pressure-controlled channels with synchronized or decoupled operation modes
• Two calibrated flow sensor options: FS-80.0 (1–80 µL/min, ±120 nL/min uncertainty) and FS-1000 (10 µL/min–1 mL/min, ±2 µL/min uncertainty)
• Dual control interface: SmartFlo iOS application (Wi-Fi-connected, optimized for iPad mini) and LabVIEW driver (USB-connected, compatible with Windows and macOS)
• Pre-programmable flow profiles including constant, linear ramp, discrete step, and sinusoidal waveforms—enabling dynamic flow modulation without real-time manual intervention
• Integrated or external compressor support, offering flexibility in lab infrastructure integration and noise management
• Low dead volume flow sensors (1–25 µL), minimizing sample waste and transit delay between command and response
• Compact benchtop footprint (230 × 193 × 85 mm) and lightweight design (~2.5 kg) for space-constrained cleanroom or incubator-adjacent setups

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 4U Pump is compatible with standard microfluidic tubing (e.g., PTFE, FEP, silicone) and widely used chip materials including PDMS, glass, PMMA, and COC. Its push-only unidirectional flow architecture ensures compatibility with check-valve-integrated chips and prevents backflow-induced contamination in multi-reagent assays. While not certified to IEC 61000-6-3 or UL 61010-1 out-of-the-box, the device meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility and low-voltage safety when operated within specified power parameters (110/220 V, 50/60 Hz, 60 W). For GxP-regulated laboratories, SmartFlo and LabVIEW drivers support user-defined audit trails, session logging, and parameter versioning—facilitating alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when deployed with appropriate IT validation protocols.

Software & Data Management

SmartFlo—a native iOS application—provides intuitive graphical configuration of all four channels via touch-optimized UI, enabling rapid setup of complex flow sequences without coding. Real-time flow monitoring, profile editing, and export of time-stamped CSV data streams are supported. The LabVIEW driver includes VI libraries for custom automation, integration with third-party DAQ systems, and synchronization with optical microscopy or impedance detection hardware. Both platforms record metadata—including timestamped setpoints, actual flow readings, sensor calibration IDs, and environmental conditions (when connected to optional ambient sensors)—ensuring full experimental traceability. Data files conform to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) through standardized naming conventions and embedded JSON headers.

Applications

• Droplet generation and sorting in emulsion-based assays and single-cell encapsulation
• Shear stress profiling in endothelial or neuronal cell cultures under physiologically relevant laminar flow
• Multi-reagent gradient mixing for spatially resolved chemical stimulation in organ-on-chip platforms
• Nanofluidic transport studies involving colloidal stability, particle focusing, or electrokinetic manipulation
• Calibration and validation of micro-PIV systems and micro-thermistor-based flow meters
• Automated reagent delivery in microscale ELISA, CRISPR screening, or digital PCR workflows

FAQ

Can the 4U Pump be used for bidirectional flow applications?
No—the 4U Pump operates in push-only mode. Bidirectional flow requires external valving or complementary hardware.

Is sensor calibration traceable to NIST or other national standards?
Flow sensors are factory-calibrated against gravimetric reference standards; full calibration certificates with uncertainty budgets are available upon request for QA/QC documentation.

What is the minimum controllable flow increment in pre-programmed mode?
The resolution is determined by the selected sensor and firmware update rate; typical effective resolution is ≤100 nL/min for the FS-80.0 sensor under constant-flow conditions.

Does the system support remote monitoring over Ethernet or cloud platforms?
Native Ethernet or cloud connectivity is not included, but LabVIEW-based deployments can integrate with enterprise SCADA or MQTT brokers via custom VI extensions.

Are replacement flow sensors field-swappable without recalibration?
Yes—each sensor contains embedded calibration coefficients readable by the pump firmware, enabling plug-and-play replacement while preserving measurement integrity.