Dolomite, based in Royston, Hertfordshire, UK has introduced a pump connector for the easy and direct integration of Dolomite microfluidic chips with Nano Fusion Technology (NFT) micro electro-osmotic pumps. This two-channel miniature pumping connector provides a low internal volume of 8µl and a flow rate of 0.1µl/min to 6µl/min.
Providing a smooth flow and precise control in the low flow rate range, the micro electro-osmotic pump connector enables complete small scale pumping systems to be developed for use in handheld instrumentation, drug discovery and clinical diagnostics.
With no moving parts or pulsation, a smooth flow is easily obtained at high pressures up to 2,000kPa. Powered via connection to a DC supply or battery, electro-osmotic flow is generated in the pump through the application of a low voltage across the two electrodes. For more advanced management of flow rates, a pulse width modulated (PWM) power source and micro flow meter can be supplied for closed loop flow rate control.
The pump can operate with either de-ionised water or methanol, however, with indirect methods such as using a sample loop between the pump and the on-chip working area, it can be used with any liquid.