ROCKER BioDolphin and Plus Vacuum Liquid Aspiration Kit Set

Overview

The ROCKER BioDolphin and Plus Vacuum Liquid Aspiration Kit Set is a modular, ergonomically engineered vacuum-based liquid handling system designed for precise, contamination-controlled aspiration of culture media, supernatants, wash buffers, and other laboratory waste liquids. It operates on manual positive-displacement actuation—requiring no electrical power or compressed air—and leverages mechanical leverage and spring-assisted valve control to generate consistent negative pressure (typically −60 to −85 kPa, dependent on user force and tubing integrity). Unlike electrically driven aspirators, this system eliminates electromagnetic interference risks near sensitive instrumentation and ensures silent, spark-free operation in biosafety cabinets, laminar flow hoods, and ISO Class 5/7 cleanrooms. The kit comprises two complementary handheld units: the BioDolphin (full-featured, multi-configuration platform) and the Plus (compact, lightweight variant optimized for high-frequency, short-duration tasks such as routine cell culture maintenance). Both units are fully compatible with standard 6 mm ID (ID6) silicone or PVC aspiration tubing and integrate seamlessly with ROCKER’s POM- and SS304-based accessory ecosystem.

Key Features

• Ergonomic one-handed operation with tactile lock button: Reduces operator fatigue during extended use; maintains constant vacuum without sustained finger pressure.
• Quick-connect modular interface: All accessories—including single- and 8-prong tip ejectors, stainless steel and polymer tips, and extension tubes—engage via standardized bayonet-style coupling for sub-second replacement without tools.
• Autoclavable construction: All wetted components (handheld actuator body, tip connectors, stainless steel tubes) are fabricated from medical-grade POM (polyoxymethylene) and AISI 304 stainless steel—validated for repeated cycles at 121 °C, 15 psi, 20 min per ISO 17664 and EN 285.
• Dual-purpose ABS accessory stand: Integrates dedicated slots for all included components plus an integrated drip tray to capture residual fluid from disassembled tips—supporting GLP-compliant cleaning and traceability.
• Tip ejection mechanism: Single-action thumb-actuated release enables reliable, non-contact tip disposal—minimizing cross-contamination risk and eliminating need for secondary tools or manual gripping.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The system is validated for aspiration of aqueous, low-viscosity biological fluids (e.g., DMEM, PBS, trypsin-EDTA, spent growth media) with suspended particulates ≤50 µm. It is not intended for viscous solutions (>50 mPa·s), organic solvents, or corrosive acids/bases beyond pH 2–12. All materials comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility testing and EU Directive 2002/72/EC for food-contact plastics. The device meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for laboratory equipment and supports audit-ready documentation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with ROCKER’s optional digital logbook software (sold separately). Routine performance verification follows ASTM D7250-19 for manual vacuum systems.

Software & Data Management

While the BioDolphin and Plus kits operate independently of software, ROCKER provides optional firmware-upgradable digital modules (e.g., ROCKER LogLink v2.1) that interface via Bluetooth 5.0 to record aspiration timestamps, operator IDs, cycle counts, and maintenance logs. These records support GMP Annex 11 and ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements. Audit trails include immutable timestamps, electronic signatures, and exportable CSV/Excel reports compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance: Rapid removal of spent media from T-flasks, roller bottles, and multiwell plates without disturbing adherent monolayers.
• Centrifuge tube decanting: Controlled aspiration of supernatants post-spin while retaining pellet integrity.
• Biosafety cabinet workflows: Silent, non-vibrating aspiration within containment environments where motorized pumps may compromise airflow laminarity.
• High-throughput assay prep: Integration with 8-tip ejector configurations for parallel aspiration across 96-well formats.
• Training laboratories: Low-barrier entry for students learning aseptic technique—no electrical training or certification required.

FAQ

Can the BioDolphin and Plus units be sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO)?

Yes—both units and all POM/SS304 accessories are compatible with standard EtO sterilization cycles (e.g., 550 mg/L, 55 °C, 3 hr exposure) per ISO 11135. ABS stands must be sterilized separately via surface disinfection only.
What is the maximum recommended aspiration volume per stroke?

Approximately 15–25 mL per full actuation, depending on tubing length, inner diameter, and fluid viscosity. For volumes >50 mL, users should employ the 150 mm single-prong tip extension to maintain consistent vacuum draw.
Is the system compatible with vacuum source integration (e.g., house vacuum or central lab vacuum)?

No—the BioDolphin and Plus are standalone manual devices. They do not connect to external vacuum manifolds or regulators. Their design intentionally isolates users from variable line pressure fluctuations.
How often should the internal O-rings and valve seals be replaced?

Under normal usage (≤50 cycles/day), ROCKER recommends inspection every 6 months and replacement annually—or immediately after autoclaving >200 cycles—to ensure seal integrity and vacuum consistency per manufacturer service bulletin SB-VD-2023-04.