Nichiryo Nichimate Stepper 00-NSTP Electric Single-Channel Continuous Dispenser

Overview

The Nichiryo Nichimate Stepper 00-NSTP is a precision-engineered electric single-channel continuous dispenser designed for high-throughput, repeatable liquid handling in regulated and research-intensive laboratory environments. Operating on the principle of positive displacement via a motor-driven syringe pump mechanism, the device draws a defined volume of liquid into its disposable or autoclavable dispensing tip and dispenses it in discrete, programmable increments—ranging from 1 µL to 5000 µL—without repeated aspiration. Unlike conventional repeating pipettes that rely on mechanical spring tension or manual plunger actuation, the 00-NSTP employs a closed-loop stepper motor system with integrated position feedback, ensuring consistent plunger travel and minimizing volumetric drift across extended operation cycles. This architecture delivers superior reproducibility (CV < 0.8% at 100 µL, typical), particularly critical in applications such as ELISA plate filling, serial dilution preparation, reagent reservoir loading, and QC sample distribution where inter-step consistency directly impacts assay validity.

Key Features

• Motorized continuous dispensing with adjustable increment step size (1–5000 µL) and total dispense volume up to 99,999 µL per aspiration cycle
• Digital interface with intuitive rotary encoder and LCD display for real-time parameter confirmation and error-free setting recall
• Integrated memory for storing up to 5 user-defined protocols—including volume, increment, number of steps, and pause intervals—enabling rapid method switching without recalibration
• Ergonomic handle design with balanced weight distribution and low actuation force (< 0.3 N), reducing operator fatigue during prolonged use
• Compatibility with standard 10 mL glass or polypropylene syringes and Nichiryo’s proprietary low-retention PTFE-coated dispensing tips (e.g., NST-1000 series)
• IP54-rated housing for resistance to splashes and particulate ingress in shared lab environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 00-NSTP accommodates aqueous buffers, cell culture media, organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, DMSO), and viscous solutions up to 500 cP when used with appropriate tip selection and dispensing speed adjustment. It is validated for use with common laboratory consumables including 96-well and 384-well microplates, conical tubes (15–50 mL), and glass vials. From a regulatory standpoint, the instrument adheres to fundamental metrological requirements outlined in ISO 8655-6 (volumetric performance of piston-operated volumetric apparatus) and supports GLP/GMP workflows through documented calibration history, user-accessible service logs, and audit-ready operational records when paired with compatible LIMS integration tools. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its firmware architecture permits secure electronic signature implementation via external validation packages.

Software & Data Management

The device operates autonomously without PC dependency but supports optional connectivity via USB-C for firmware updates and protocol synchronization using Nichiryo’s proprietary DispenseControl Studio software (Windows/macOS). This application enables creation of multi-step dispensing sequences with conditional logic (e.g., “dispense 200 µL × 12 wells, then pause 3 s before next row”), export of timestamped dispensing logs in CSV format, and generation of calibration verification reports compliant with internal QA templates. All data files are stored locally with SHA-256 hash integrity checks to prevent unauthorized modification—facilitating traceability in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.

Applications

• High-fidelity serial dilution series for qPCR standard curves and antibody titration assays
• Uniform dispensing of culture medium into multiwell plates for stem cell expansion or high-content screening
• Preparation of calibration standards and reference materials in clinical chemistry and environmental testing labs
• Automated reagent addition in IVD kit manufacturing under ISO 13485-controlled processes
• Dispensing of sensitive biologics (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, viral vectors) where shear stress minimization is essential—achieved via low-speed dispensing mode and optimized tip geometry

FAQ

Is the 00-NSTP compatible with third-party tips?
Yes—provided they meet ISO 8655-3 dimensional specifications for 10 mL syringe barrels and feature a standardized Luer-lock interface. However, optimal accuracy and low carryover are guaranteed only with Nichiryo-certified NST-series tips.
Can it be calibrated in-house?
Yes. The device includes a built-in calibration mode supporting gravimetric verification per ISO 8655-6 using certified weights and Class A volumetric flasks. Calibration constants are stored in non-volatile memory and remain intact after power cycling.
What maintenance is required?
Routine cleaning of the syringe barrel and piston seal with isopropanol every 200 operating hours; annual factory recalibration recommended for GxP environments.
Does it support sterile workflow integration?
Yes—autoclavable stainless-steel syringe bodies and disposable tip assemblies enable full aseptic operation. Optional HEPA-filtered air purge module available for ISO Class 5 laminar flow hood compatibility.