KD Scientific Legato Series Syringe Pump

Overview

The KD Scientific Legato Series Syringe Pump is a precision-engineered microfluidic delivery system designed for demanding laboratory applications requiring ultra-low flow rates, high volumetric accuracy, and long-term operational stability. Built upon Harvard Bioscience’s (NASDAQ: HBIO) legacy in fluid handling instrumentation following its acquisition of KD Scientific in 2004, the Legato platform leverages advanced microstepping motor control and closed-loop positioning to achieve sub-picoliter per minute resolution—enabling reproducible nanoliter- to milliliter-scale dosing across diverse experimental configurations. Its core operating principle relies on precise linear actuation of syringe plungers via calibrated lead-screw translation, where flow rate is derived from displacement velocity and syringe cross-sectional area—a deterministic relationship governed by ISO 8536-4 and ASTM D3129 standards for volumetric dispensing devices. The Legato series supports both unidirectional (infusion-only) and bidirectional (infusion-withdrawal) operation, making it suitable for applications ranging from electrophysiology perfusion and microreactor feeding to controlled reagent addition in analytical sample preparation.

Key Features

• High-resolution capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-driven navigation and real-time parameter visualization
• Large-format color LED display providing simultaneous readout of flow rate, volume dispensed, elapsed time, direction status, and error diagnostics
• Configurable user authentication via password protection to enforce access control and protocol integrity in shared-lab environments
• Multi-interface connectivity: USB 2.0 host/device mode, RS-485 daisy-chain capability (up to 99 pumps on a single bus), and opto-isolated digital I/O for TTL-triggered start/stop and pulse synchronization
• Compact, space-efficient footprint with vertical orientation support—enabling benchtop integration without sacrificing ergonomic accessibility
• Die-cast aluminum base and vibration-damped mechanical architecture ensure acoustic quietness (<45 dB(A)) and minimal mechanical drift during extended runs
• Compliance with international safety and environmental directives including CE, UL 61010-1, CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, CB Scheme, EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, and WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Legato series accommodates standard Luer-lock and Luer-slip syringes ranging from 0.5 µL to 140 mL capacity, with programmable plunger travel limits and force monitoring to prevent over-pressurization or syringe barrel deformation. All models support glass, polypropylene, and stainless-steel syringes certified to ISO 8536-1 and USP Class VI specifications. For regulated environments—including GLP-compliant pharmacokinetic studies and GMP-aligned process development—the Legato 210p and Legato 270p variants include audit-trail-enabled firmware compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with validated software (e.g., KD Scientific KDS Legacy Software v4.2+). System calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards are available upon request for IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages.

Software & Data Management

KD Scientific provides native Windows-based control software supporting method creation, multi-step protocols, real-time graphing, and CSV export of time-stamped flow/volume data. Remote operation is enabled via TCP/IP Ethernet adapters (optional), allowing integration into centralized lab automation frameworks. The RS-485 interface supports Modbus RTU protocol for seamless interoperability with PLC-controlled systems and SCADA platforms. All firmware updates preserve backward compatibility and undergo rigorous validation per IEC 62304 Class B medical device software lifecycle requirements—reflecting Harvard Bioscience’s commitment to regulatory-grade reliability.

Applications

• Electrophysiology: Stable, low-noise perfusion of brain slices or cultured neurons at picoliter-per-minute rates
• Microfluidics: Precise reagent metering in droplet generation, organ-on-chip, and digital PCR workflows
• Chromatography: Gradient elution pumping in nano-LC and capillary electrophoresis systems
• Materials science: Controlled deposition of functional inks, quantum dot suspensions, or polymer precursors
• Pharmaceutical R&D: Dose escalation studies requiring <1% CV across replicate injections under ISO 10993 biocompatibility test conditions

FAQ

What syringe sizes are compatible with the Legato 200 and Legato 210 models?

Legato 200 and Legato 210 accept syringes from 0.5 µL to 140 mL, including standard glass, plastic, and metal-bodied units with Luer-lock or Luer-slip fittings.
Does the Legato series support infusion-and-withdrawal cycles within a single program?

Yes—models designated with “110”, “111”, “210”, “210p”, “270”, and “270p” offer bidirectional operation with programmable pause intervals, direction switching, and dwell times.
Is firmware validation documentation available for GxP-regulated use?

Yes—validated firmware images, installation qualification (IQ) checklists, and electronic audit trail configuration guides are provided under Harvard Bioscience’s Quality Management System (QMS), registered to ISO 13485:2016.
Can multiple Legato pumps be synchronized for parallel dispensing?

Up to 99 units can be daisy-chained via RS-485; master-slave timing synchronization is achievable within ±10 ms latency using broadcast command sets.
What is the minimum resolvable increment for volume control?

The smallest programmable increment is 0.5 µL, corresponding to sub-picoliter flow resolution when paired with small-diameter syringes and extended runtime profiles.