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Screw-actuated displacement micropumps for thermoplastic microfluidics.
J Y Han1, O D Rahmanian2, E L Kendall3
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. ddev@umd.edu.
Lab on a Chip
|October 8, 2016
Summary
This study presents a low-cost method for precise fluid control in disposable microfluidic systems using integrated displacement pumps. The developed system enables programmable flow rates and on-demand reagent delivery for applications like emulsion generation.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Microfluidic systems require precise flow control for various applications.
- Disposable microfluidic devices need cost-effective and integrated pumping solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, low-cost, and programmable on-chip displacement pump for thermoplastic microfluidic chips.
- To demonstrate high-pressure, leak-free operation and software-defined control of multiple pumps.
- To integrate pumps with on-chip burst valves for on-demand fluid distribution and reagent sealing.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of thermoplastic chips with integrated screw-based displacement pumps and reagent reservoirs.
- Investigation of three different sealing methods for high-pressure pump operation.
- Development of a microcontroller-based platform for software-defined control of multiple pumps.
- Integration of on-chip burst valves for reagent sealing and controlled fluid release.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated programmable flow rates from 0.5 to 40 μl min⁻¹.
- Achieved high-pressure flow without leakage using optimized pump sealing methods.
- Successfully controlled multiple pumps via software in a self-contained system.
- Validated the system for generating size-tunable water-in-oil emulsions.
Conclusions:
- The developed on-chip displacement pumps offer a simple, low-cost solution for precise flow control in disposable microfluidic systems.
- The integrated system with burst valves enables on-demand fluid delivery and reagent management.
- This technology is suitable for applications requiring programmable fluid handling, such as emulsion generation.
