StepperRocker

Stepper rocker application

Other examples

The stepper rocker enables gravity-driven flow control in a compact, tubeless design. It integrates a stepper motor, gas pump, microprocessor, rechargeable battery, and a control panel featuring an OLED display, power switch, and encoder. Additional features include a USB Type-C port for charging and communication, a built-in wireless module, a temperature sensor, a TDS chip, and analog input/output slots.

For organ-on-chip applications, the biological sample is loaded into the chip’s upper chamber, and the chip clamp is mounted onto the rotating shaft of the stepper motor. Two syringes containing culture medium are connected to the chip’s Luer sockets. Under gravity, the medium perfuses through the lower chamber, replenishing glucose and oxygen, which subsequently diffuse into the upper chamber. Periodic air injection can be employed to maintain oxygen levels in the medium, and AC electrical pulses may be applied for culture stimulation. All operational parameters—including tilt angle and rotation speed, pause intervals, air-injection cycles, and AC-pulse timing—can be conveniently adjusted using the encoder.

Beyond organ-on-chip workflows, the stepper rocker is also suitable for applications such as suspension culture using centrifuge tubes or multi-well plates, as well as simple one-channel flow driving, providing a practical and easy-to-use solution for diverse laboratory needs.