Maximum precision in flow cytometry: extremely stable & pulsation-free sheath flow for analytical instruments

Flow cytometry for cell and particle analysis | Photo: HNP Mikrosysteme GmbH

Micro pump type mzr-2521 | Photo: HNPM

Micro pump type mzr-2921 | Photo: HNPM

mzr Touch Control | Photo: HNPM

Controller S-G05 | Photo: HNPM

In medical diagnostics, scientific research, and medicine, flow cytometry is an established and indispensable method for accurately analysing and quantifying cells and particles. To ensure reliable and reproducible results, cells are hydrodynamically focused by a surrounding fluid stream (sheath flow) before passing one by one through the optical detection zone. The stability of this fluid flow directly determines the quality of the entire analysis.

Critical factors in cell analysis

In high-resolution cell analysis, data repeatability is directly linked to fluid dynamics. Fluctuations or variations in flow rate directly affect the exact position of the cell in the detection zone, compromising measurement accuracy. To prevent this, state-of-the-art flow cytometers place stringent demands on the integrated fluidic system — both for supplying the sheath fluid and for pumping cell and particle suspensions.

The key prerequisites for an optimal fluidic process include:

• Stable sheath flow (1 to 10 ml/min):
  Guarantees constant flow conditions, even over prolonged cycle periods.
• Pulsation-free dosing:
  Prevents turbulence and fluctuations within microfluidic channels.
• Gentle fluid handling:
  Low shear forces protect delicate cells and particles from damage during pumping.
• Minimal dead volume:
  Enables fast, efficient media changes, reducing the consumption of costly reagents and samples for significant cost savings.
• Compact OEM integration:
  Ideal for installation within compact analytical instruments.
• Chemical resistance:
  Withstands frequent cleaning and chemical sterilisation procedures (CIP/SIP regimes).

Precise dosing, gentle cell handling, and flawless data

As a specialist in precise fluid dosing, Suurmond offers the ideal solution with the low-pressure micro annular gear pumps from the HNPM series (such as the mzr-2521 and mzr-2921 models). These compact micropumps are specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of flow cytometry instruments.

Thanks to their extremely low-pulsation operation and low-shear principle, they fully preserve cell integrity while delivering unmatched flow stability. With a dosing precision coefficient of variation (CV) of 1% at low volumes, consistent results are guaranteed.

Specifications HNPM Micropumps type mzr-2521 and mzr-2621:

Dosage volume 0.25 µl | 0.5 µl

Flow rate Up to 9 ml/min | Up to 18 ml/min

Dosing precision (CV) 1% at low volumes

Dimensions Ø 13 mm, length 75 mm

Straightforward integration, cleaning, and control

Thanks to their compact dimensions (a diameter of just 13 mm) and options, mzr pumps can be effortlessly built into compact OEM analytical equipment.

Because mzr pumps are manufactured from high-grade, chemically resistant materials, they are fully compatible with regular CIP/SIP cleaning and chemical sterilisation. This low-maintenance design ensures high instrument availability and minimises unwanted downtime in laboratory environments.

Combined with flexible control options — such as the mzr-Touch Control (featuring a touchscreen for continuous and batch dosing) or the S-ND controller — Suurmond enables instrument manufacturers and laboratories to achieve maximum data reliability and process continuity.

With Suurmond, you choose an OEM partner who collaborates with you to optimize your fluidic processes for high-quality, repeatable analytical results. Ensure your research benefits from a pulsation-free sheath flow!

Written by

Suurmond BV

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