Burkard PDE0006 Handheld Micro-Dispenser

Overview

The Burkard PDE0006 Handheld Micro-Dispenser is a precision-engineered, fully mechanical instrument designed for repeatable, operator-controlled micro-volume liquid delivery in research and quality control environments. Unlike motorized or pneumatic dispensers, the PDE0006 operates without batteries, electricity, or compressed air—relying instead on calibrated mechanical indexing and gravity-assisted plunger actuation. Its core principle is volumetric displacement via a precisely graduated all-glass syringe coupled to a dual-scale indexing drum and fixed-position indicator. This eliminates electronic drift, thermal expansion artifacts, and calibration dependency on external power sources—making it particularly suitable for field-deployable agricultural bioassays, sterile cell culture workstations, and regulated laboratory settings where auditability and simplicity are prioritized over automation. The device was developed in response to two decades of documented demand from academic and industrial labs for a robust, handheld alternative to fragile piezoelectric micro-droppers or complex robotic liquid handlers.

Key Features

• Mechanically indexed volume selection with tactile feedback—no software or firmware required
• All-glass 1 mL syringe (standard) with optional 10 mL syringe + adapter kit for extended range up to 50 mL (scale factor ×10)
• Luer-lock compatibility ensures secure attachment of standard hypodermic needles (e.g., 3/10″ × 25 mm, 25G) or custom angled tips for targeted microinjection
• Stainless steel frame and chemically resistant polymer base provide long-term dimensional stability under exposure to organic solvents, pesticides, and aqueous buffers
• Modular mounting system: universal clamp and adjustable support bracket enable integration with micromanipulators, stereomicroscopes, or custom lab jigs
• Zero-cross contamination design: disposable syringes and needles eliminate carryover between samples; no internal fluid pathways or valves

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PDE0006 accommodates a wide range of low-to-medium viscosity liquids—including aqueous pesticide formulations, enzyme solutions, DNA dilutions, and plant growth regulators—without clogging or shear degradation. Its manual actuation avoids cavitation or pulsation effects common in peristaltic or piston-driven systems. While not an electronic device, its mechanical repeatability supports compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 (uncertainty of measurement) when used with certified syringes and documented operator training records. The absence of firmware or data logging means it does not fall under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—but its physical traceability (indexed volume setting, syringe batch number, needle lot) aligns with GLP documentation standards for non-automated critical steps in method validation protocols.

Software & Data Management

The PDE0006 operates independently of software. Volume selection is purely mechanical: users align the index marker with engraved graduations on the drum (0.25 / 0.5 / 1 / 2 / 5 mL), and each full rotation corresponds to a fixed dispense increment. For laboratories requiring digital integration, Burkard recommends pairing the PDE0006 with the PAX-100 Electronic Dispenser Controller (sold separately), which provides programmable multi-step sequences, audit trails, and CSV export via USB. However, the PDE0006 itself maintains full functionality—and regulatory acceptability—as a standalone manual tool in environments where electronic validation overhead is prohibitive.

Applications

• Agricultural entomology: precise topical application of insecticides to individual arthropods in resistance screening assays
• Plant pathology: inoculation of fungal spore suspensions onto leaf discs at defined droplet volumes
• Cell biology: microinjection into oocytes or embryonic cells using angled needle configurations
• Method development: calibration standard preparation for HPLC, GC, or ELISA where sub-microliter reproducibility is required but automation introduces variability
• Field-deployable QC: on-site pesticide formulation verification in storage facilities or distribution centers without AC power

FAQ

Is the PDE0006 compliant with ISO 8655 for piston-operated volumetric apparatus?

No—ISO 8655 applies specifically to calibrated pipettes and burettes with defined error tolerances. The PDE0006 is classified as a mechanical dispenser and validated per user-defined SOPs; however, its all-glass syringe may be certified separately to ISO 8655-2 if required.

Can I use non-Burkard syringes?

Only Luer-lock syringes with identical barrel geometry and plunger travel profile are recommended. Deviations may compromise volume accuracy and indexing reliability.

What maintenance is required?

Annual visual inspection of the indexing drum gear teeth and syringe O-ring integrity. No lubrication or recalibration is needed under normal use conditions.

Does the device require cleaning validation?

Yes—users must establish and document cleaning procedures per their internal SOPs, especially when switching between hazardous or high-potency compounds. Residue testing should follow ICH Q5C guidelines.

Is technical support available outside the UK?

Burkard provides global distributor-based service networks; contact your regional authorized partner for calibration verification and spare parts fulfillment.