Piezoelectric dispenser with a longitudinal transducer and replaceable capillary tube

Abstract

Systems, devices and methods are provided, for acquiring and dispensing predetermined volumes of liquids and, in particular, to a unique piezoelectric dispenser for acquiring and dispensing of small volumes of fluid in an automatic or manual production of DNA arrays and assays, wherein droplets are dispensed in a single drop format with volumes that may range from about a few picoliters to several nanoliters. The dispenser can advantageously utilize a disposable capillary tube assembly while desirably retaining the piezoelectric actuator for subsequent further uses, thereby mitigating the possibility of cross contamination of fluids and providing an economical and cost effective approach with reuse of the piezoelectric actuator for further operation such as with a variety of liquids to be dispensed and transferred. A unique longitudinal transducer can transmit radial tube displacement into controlled axial motion of the tube.