Microfluidics made easy: A robust low-cost constant pressure flow controller for engineers and cell biologists

Area of Science:

• Bioengineering
• Biotechnology
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Microfluidics is increasingly vital in biology and bioengineering.
• High costs of commercial fluid delivery hardware limit research accessibility.
• Existing solutions like syringe pumps are expensive and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an inexpensive and user-friendly constant pressure system for microfluidic flow control.
• To provide a cost-effective alternative to commercial syringe pumps.
• To enable precise and tunable flow rates for microfluidic experiments.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a system using readily available components: pressure regulators, gauges, connectors, and tubing.
• Utilized hydraulic circuit analysis and capillary tubing resistors for flow rate prediction and calibration.
• Designed a controller capable of managing up to four independent fluidic inlets.

Main Results:

• The developed system is significantly less expensive than commercial syringe pumps.
• Achieved precise, tunable flow rates with faster response times.
• Successfully demonstrated the system's utility in chemical gradient generation and emulsion droplet production.

Conclusions:

• The constant pressure system offers an affordable and accessible solution for microfluidic flow control.
• This innovation lowers the barrier to entry for researchers in microfluidics.
• The system is versatile and suitable for various microfluidic applications.