WPI Ultramicropump III Precision Picoliter Syringe Pump
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Ultramicropump III |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The WPI Ultramicropump III is a high-precision, digitally controlled syringe pump engineered for reproducible picoliter-scale fluid delivery in demanding life science applications. Based on stepper motor-driven linear actuation and calibrated microstepping mechanics, the system achieves volumetric resolution down to 600 pL per step when paired with a standard 5 mL glass syringe — enabling quantitative microinjection, intracellular perfusion, electrophysiology patch-clamp auxiliary flow control, and microfluidic interfacing where sub-nanoliter accuracy and zero dead-volume operation are critical. Unlike conventional peristaltic or pressure-driven systems, the Ultramicropump III eliminates compressibility artifacts and pulsatile flow by directly translating digital step commands into deterministic piston displacement within the syringe barrel. Its modular mechanical architecture supports integration into stereotaxic rigs (e.g., David Kopf Instruments models), custom optical tables, and multi-axis micromanipulator platforms via standardized mounting interfaces.
Key Features
- Picoliter-resolution dispensing: 600 pL per microstep with 5 mL syringes — traceable to NIST-traceable calibration protocols
- Zero-dead-volume operation: Full forward injection and reverse aspiration without residual hold-up or air-gap formation
- Universal syringe compatibility: Accepts glass or plastic syringes with barrel diameters from 5.5 mm to 9.0 mm
- Linear direct-drive mechanism: Precision-ground stainless-steel push rod ensures smooth, backlash-free piston translation and long-term positional repeatability
- Modular mounting: Designed for rigid attachment to WPI M3301, DC3001, or third-party stereotaxic frames using industry-standard 1/4″-20 threaded holes
- Multi-pump coordination: Single SYS-MICRO4 controller synchronizes up to four Ultramicropump III units with shared start/stop, parameter recall, and real-time status monitoring
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Ultramicropump III is compatible with aqueous buffers, saline solutions, enzyme substrates, fluorescent dyes, and low-viscosity cell culture media (≤10 mPa·s). It is not rated for organic solvents, high-salinity brines (>1 M NaCl), or suspensions containing particles >5 µm. All wetted components — including the syringe clamp, push rod tip, and O-ring seals — are chemically inert (borosilicate glass, PTFE, and 316 stainless steel) and compliant with ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity standards. The system meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per IEC 61326-1 for laboratory use and supports audit-ready operation under GLP and GMP environments when used with SYS-MICRO4 firmware v3.2+, which provides timestamped parameter logging, user-access-level controls, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic signature options.
Software & Data Management
Control is executed exclusively through the SYS-MICRO4 intelligent interface — a dedicated embedded controller featuring a backlit 128×64 pixel LCD display and tactile membrane keypad. Users configure four primary parameters directly on the main screen: direction (infuse/aspirate), target volume (pL to mL), plunger speed (µm/s), and syringe geometry (diameter input in mm). All settings are stored in non-volatile memory and auto-load at power-on. The controller logs each run with UTC timestamps, operator ID (if enabled), and final delivered volume — exportable via RS-232 serial output to LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom Python scripts. Firmware updates are performed via USB-to-serial adapter; no proprietary drivers required.
Applications
- Intracellular microinjection of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins or mRNA in zebrafish/oocyte models
- Dynamic solution exchange during whole-cell patch-clamp recordings (τ < 10 ms rise time achievable with optimized tubing)
- Gradient generation in microfluidic organ-on-chip devices requiring precise bolus timing
- Calibration of fluorescence-based microplate readers using traceable dye dilution series
- Automated reagent dispensing in high-content screening workflows integrated with robotic liquid handlers
FAQ
What syringe sizes are supported?
Standard compatibility includes 10 µL, 100 µL, 500 µL, 1 mL, and 5 mL glass syringes with outer diameters between 5.5 mm and 9.0 mm.
Can the Ultramicropump III be used in sterile tissue culture environments?
Yes — provided syringes and tubing are pre-sterilized (autoclave or gamma irradiation) and the pump body remains outside the biosafety cabinet; no internal electronics require sterilization.
Is remote computer control possible?
Yes — via RS-232 serial communication using ASCII command protocol; full command set documented in WPI Application Note AN-UMP3-01.
Does the system support bidirectional flow switching during a single run?
No — infuse/aspirate mode must be selected prior to execution; however, sequential infuse-then-aspirate protocols can be scripted externally via SYS-MICRO4’s programmable macro function.
What maintenance is required?
Annual verification of step calibration using gravimetric measurement (ASTM E2708); optional push rod lubrication every 12 months with Dow Corning High Vacuum Grease (HV-200).
