ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE MICRO-PIPETTE

摘要

Electrically controlled micro-pipette handles fluids with or without microparticle content, in volumes between a few hundred pico litres and several micro litres. The arrangement includes microejection pump with microengineered chamber (7). Its elastic wall (14) is controlled by an electrical actuator (12) forming a micromembrane pump. Its pipette tip has a microdischarge capillary (4). It is initially filled with a fluid which is inert under the conditions of use. Fluids are taken in spontaneously or under pump suction. Droplets are delivered in constant size and known number, the rate of delivery controlled by electrical signal frequency. Further micropumps may be added for precision adjustment and washing purposes. A metallised tip forms an electrical immersion sensor, used in extraction.