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Scientific research handling and dosing in the micro range
We blend your specialist knowledge with our comprehensive know-how. This results in solutions that are perfect down to the very last detail and help to reduce complexity. Since we give your idea the respect and attention it deserves – irrespective of whether you work with stem cells or dose micro-litres. Be inspired by the following real success stories and discover how we build on and increase the knowledge of our clients. Ensuring everything flows smoothly all of the time.
“An important step in stem cell research”
“Faster and systematically precise dosage.”
Thinking big in the micro range
Our clients lead the way in their respective field. They know what they are doing – and they know what they want. But when it comes to fluids. We know what needs doing to achieve your goal.
“An important step in stem cell research.”
Client Meeting
Our client has taken on a major task: stem-cell research. This young start-up company from Italy has achieved a major breakthrough in this complex field.
Stem cells
Its innovation represents a decisive step forward in successful treatment of many serious diseases and injuries ranging from Parkinson’s disease to paraplegia. And we were happy to help them in the execution of their idea.
Fact
The young company has found a way of separating healthy stem cells from dead or defective ones, as well as from other cells such as blood or lymphatic cells, without damaging them in the process. Previously, no method had been found to sort the cells without inadvertently compromising the quality of the stem cells.
The technique that the start-up has developed is revolutionary: It causes the cells to form groups according to their physical characteristics, so the ones that are of interest become discernible. However, our client is faced with two fluid dynamics challenges.
Problem:
Stem cells are extremely delicate. For the start-up’s innovative method to become practicable, we have to find a way of guiding the cells carefully through a duct. For our client’s technology can accurately identify and locate the cells in the duct.
Background:
But the client has to be able to facilitate the cells’ capacity to flow while preventing them from adhering to the walls of the duct or sustaining any other kind of injury. In addition, it must be possible to extract the stem cells from the duct undamaged when the software signals that the sorting process has been completed successfully.
Bürkert is exactly the right partner for this kind of task. For we have the experience needed to get things flowing – including very, very small things. And we know how to merge knowledge.
The solution at a glance
In order for them to be able to group themselves, the cells need to flow properly. To this end, two liquids are introduced into the duct with the cell sample: The first one ensures that the cells do not adhere to the surface, while the second one generates the environment the cells need in order to form groups.
Our know-how complements that of our client; our technology makes the client’s method practicable. Together they give rise to the solution.
Camera: A camera monitors the cells so the software can count them as they flow past. The software recognizes when the cells have formed groups and provides a graphic representation of the process.
Software: The software passes on the graphic data to the Bürkert system which then extracts the respective cell groups extremely carefully, introducing them into test tubes waiting on a rotary stand.
The stem cells can be removed from the duct with the aid of our sophisticated technology without being influenced in any other way. Thus they retain their potential, which can be fully exploited in subsequent research activities.
The Bürkert Solution
Clear case of congeniality. We have supplemented our client’s innovative method with our extensive experience in the field of micro-fluids. As a result we have opened up new horizons for the stem cell research of the future.
Bürkert Technology
Our client’s sophisticated software is impressive enough in itself. Combined with our expertise in fluid technology, it adds up to a workable concept that can form the basis for future developments.
Solution
Pooling the knowledge of the young company with our expertise produces an entirely new technique for handling delicate stem cells in an appropriate way. They remain fully intact and can therefore serve the advance of science without restriction.
Have a look how Bürkert solves the problem:
“Faster and systematically precise dosage.”
Client Meeting
The specialist field of our client is the development and production of machines that package sterile products. And the main focus is on the efficiency of these machines. They have to work flawlessly in clean room conditions.
Sterile packaging
Reliability, speed, minimum rejects and maximum compactness are demanded. Furthermore, the machines must be able to package minimum quantities. No easy feat for our client.
Fact
A dosing unit that can be integrated in a new system where it fills very small packages with 500 micro-litres of sterile liquid is required. This liquid is intended to protect a delicate object that is added before sealing the package.
Our client developed the dosing system in-house, using various components from OEMs. The client is thus exclusively responsible for ensuring the assembled parts work together without any problems. And this limits the number of simultaneously operating dosing units. There is the risk of the overall system design becoming overly complex and thus unmanageable.
Problem:
Complexity of the dosing units increases with the number of packages that need to be filled simultaneously. Since each dosing head has to be provided separately with energy and signals by the central control cabinet. And each dosing head needs its own product supply. Huge lengths of cables and hoses are the result; in addition to complexity, a key factor to consider with regard to production errors is also a definite lack of space.
The Bürkert Solution
We have made life simpler for our client. Thanks to our comprehensive solution the client has been able to overcome this obstacle and develop a dosing system that can fill a large number of small quantities very quickly and precisely. Since our communication platform reduces the complexity.
Bürkert technology
A single connection to the PLC is enough. Since each and every action no longer needs to be integrated, it is possible to increase the number of dosing heads.
Manifold
Everything included
Our client no longer has to obtain individual components from various OEMs. Now, we are responsible for ensuring everything flows smoothly.
Solution
Device platform enables us to now provide the dosing units with everything they need via a manifold, our büS.
