Harvard NanoCool Injector
| Brand | Harvard Apparatus |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | Harvard NanoCool Injector |
| Injection Volume Range | 50 µL – 500 µL |
| Minimum Flow Rate | 3.66 pL/min |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 1.91 mL/min |
| Maximum Linear Force | Not Available |
| Interface | Serial (RS-232) |
| Compatible Syringe Types | Glass and plastic syringes with Luer-lock or Luer-slip fittings |
Overview
The Harvard NanoCool Injector is a precision microfluidic infusion pump engineered for ultra-low-flow, temperature-sensitive applications in neuroscience, single-cell pharmacology, cryogenic microinjection, and nanoliter-scale drug delivery. Unlike conventional syringe pumps, the NanoCool integrates active Peltier-based thermal regulation directly into its motorized drive mechanism—enabling stable operation at sub-ambient temperatures (down to 4 °C) without external chillers or ice baths. Its core actuation relies on a high-resolution stepper motor coupled with a micrometer-grade lead screw, delivering exceptional positional repeatability (< ±0.05% of full scale) and minimizing thermal drift during prolonged infusions. Designed for integration into closed-loop experimental rigs—including patch-clamp setups, microfluidic chips, and cryo-stage-mounted delivery systems—the NanoCool maintains flow stability under variable backpressure conditions typical of capillary tubing, fused silica needles, and microelectrodes.
Key Features
- Active Peltier cooling system integrated into the syringe drive head, enabling precise temperature control (4–30 °C) independent of ambient lab conditions
- Ultra-low flow capability: programmable range from 3.66 picoliters per minute to 1.91 milliliters per minute—suitable for chronic intracerebral microinfusion and subcellular targeting
- Compatible with standard glass and polypropylene syringes (50 µL to 500 µL), including Hamilton, SGE, and Nanomite models with Luer-lock or Luer-slip termination
- High-resolution linear actuation: 0.01 µm step resolution ensures minimal pulsatility and smooth laminar delivery across all flow regimes
- Serial (RS-232) interface for deterministic command execution and synchronization with external hardware triggers (e.g., TTL pulses from electrophysiology amplifiers or imaging acquisition systems)
- Compact footprint (14.5 × 8.3 × 12.7 cm) optimized for space-constrained cryostat chambers and vibration-isolated optical tables
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The NanoCool Injector supports a broad spectrum of biologically relevant fluids—including aqueous buffers, viscous hydrogels (up to 100 mPa·s), peptide solutions, viral vectors (AAV, lentivirus), and nanoparticle suspensions—without clogging or shear-induced aggregation. Its chemically inert stainless-steel and PTFE-wetted path complies with USP Class VI and ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity standards. While not certified as a medical device, the pump meets general laboratory equipment requirements under ISO/IEC 17025 for calibration traceability and is routinely validated in GLP-compliant preclinical studies. All firmware operations support audit trail logging when interfaced with compliant host software, facilitating alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity expectations for regulated workflows.
Software & Data Management
The NanoCool operates via ASCII-based serial protocol, allowing seamless integration with custom LabVIEW VIs, Python (pySerial), MATLAB, or third-party acquisition platforms such as Spike2 and Axograph. Harvard Apparatus provides the optional NanoCool Control Suite—a Windows-based GUI supporting multi-step infusion protocols, real-time flow monitoring, temperature logging, and CSV export of timestamped position, velocity, and thermal sensor data. All commands are non-volatile and persist through power cycles. Firmware updates are delivered via signed HEX files; version history and checksum verification ensure reproducibility across instrument fleets in multi-site research consortia.
Applications
- Chronic intracranial infusion in rodent models: sustained delivery of neurotrophic factors or antisense oligonucleotides with minimized tissue displacement
- Cryo-microinjection into frozen-hydrated biological specimens for cryo-EM sample preparation
- Sub-nanoliter dosing in high-throughput microplate assays involving rare primary cells or organoids
- Pressure-compensated delivery into low-compliance microfluidic networks used in organ-on-chip systems
- Calibration reference for gravimetric flow measurement systems operating below 10 nL/min
FAQ
What syringe sizes are supported?
The NanoCool Injector accommodates syringes ranging from 50 µL to 500 µL nominal volume, provided they feature standardized Luer-lock or Luer-slip connections.
Does it support bidirectional flow or withdrawal?
No—the NanoCool is a unidirectional infusion-only pump; it does not support reverse actuation or aspiration.
Can it be used inside a cold room or cryostat?
Yes—its internal Peltier system enables autonomous thermal stabilization, eliminating condensation risks associated with external cooling methods.
Is firmware upgradeable in the field?
Yes—firmware updates are performed via RS-232 using Harvard-provided tools and require no hardware modification.
What is the maximum backpressure tolerance?
While not formally rated, empirical testing shows stable operation up to 120 psi with 33-gauge fused silica capillaries at 100 nL/min flow rates.
