Case Studies: Longer’s High-Precision Peristaltic Pump for Multi-channel Reagent Filling at Just 8uL

In molecular diagnostics, library preparation, and reagent kit production, valuable biological reagents such as enzymes, buffers, and magnetic bead suspensions often need to be dispensed in small volumes, sometimes as low as a few microliters. Dispensing accuracy, channel independence are critical factors affecting batch-to-batch consistency and reagent utilization.

Customer Requirements 

A manufacturer of liquid handling workstations needed an automated dispensing system for 96-well plates, with the following requirements: 

•   12 independent dispensing channels

•   A dispensing volume range of 5μL to 400 μL

•   Simultaneous dispensing of 12 different reagents, each with an independent volume and dispensing time

•   Accuracy of 8 μL ± 0.4 μL, with a CV≤3%

•   Automated in-line control and a daily throughput of at least  500 plates

The Longer Pump Solution

To meet the customer’s requirements for microliter, multi-channel dispensing, Longer configured the system with:

dPOFLEX® PFU High-Precision Filling Unit + PFH01 Peristaltic Pump Head + PFC Controller

12 PFU units are assigned to 12 different reagents. Each channel can be configured independently for dispensing volume, dispensing time, and operating parameters, enabling multiple reagents to be dispensed simultaneously. 

8 μL Test Results

To verify microliter dispensing performance, the system was tested at a target volume of 8 μL. The results were:

The results demonstrate strong accuracy and repeatability for microliter dispensing, meeting the customer’s performance requirements.

Solution Advantages

•   Stable and Reliable Microliter Dispensing

At a target volume of 8 μL, the maximum measured deviation was only 0.26 μL and the CV remained as low as 1.08%, helping reduce the loss of high-value reagents and improve batch-to-batch consistency.

•   High-Speed Dispensing for Greater Throughput

While delivering highly repeatable 8 μL dispensing, the PFU can complete each well in less than 0.5 seconds and supports long, continuous operating cycles, balancing precision with the productivity required for high-throughput production. 

•   Modular and Scalable

One PFC controller can manage up to 32 PFU filling units. The number of channels can be configured to suit the system design, making future expansion straight forward.

•   Independent Parameters for Every Channel

Each PFU can be set independently for dispensing volume and time. Within the same system, different channels can dispense volumes such as 8 μL and 160 μL, supporting the simultaneous filling of multiple reagents.

•   Easy Integration into Automated Systems

The PFU supports remote control through digital signals and communication commands. A missing-container stop function allows coordination with plate feeding, sealing, printing, and plate collection modules while reducing missed fills and reagent waste.

Application Results

With Longer Pump precision peristaltic filling pumps integrated into the workstation, the customer achieved automated dispensing of 12 reagents through 12 independently controlled channels. The 8 μL test met the required accuracy, while the modular architecture and independent channel settings provided a flexible solution for multi-well reagent kit production.

From precise 8 μL dispensing to independent multi-channel control, Longer Pump delivers accurate, modular fluid handling solutions that help reagent manufacturers improve consistency, throughput, and automation.