Design and dynamic characterization of "single-stroke" peristaltic PDMS micropumps

In this paper, we present a monolithic PDMS micropump that generates peristaltic flow using a single control channel that actuates a group of different-sized microvalves. An elastomeric microvalve design with a raised seat, which improves bonding reliability, is incorporated into the micropump. Pump performance is evaluated based on several design parameters--size, number, and connection of successive microvalves along with control channel pressure at various operating frequencies. Flow rates ranging 0-5.87 µL min(-1) were observed. The micropump design demonstrated here represents a substantial reduction in the number of/real estate taken up by the control lines that are required to run a peristaltic pump, hence it should become a widespread tool for parallel fluid processing in high-throughput microfluidics.