Particle spallation in a microfluidic blood processing device: the problem of using peristaltic pumps and...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Peristaltic pumps are widely used in microfluidic systems.
• Elastomeric tubing in peristaltic pumps can shed particles (spallation).
• Particle shedding can impact filtration device performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate particle shedding from peristaltic pumps.
• To compare filtration performance using peristaltic versus syringe pumps.
• To analyze the effect of spallated particles on microfluidic pore fields.

Main Methods:

• Utilized microfluidic filtration devices with photolithographically defined micron-level pores.
• Filtered ultra-pure water using both peristaltic and syringe pumps.
• Monitored transmembrane pressure (TMP) during filtration.
• Examined devices using microphotography post-filtration.

Main Results:

• Syringe pumps maintained stable TMP (2.3 mmHg) for over 80 minutes at 2.5 cm³/min.
• Peristaltic pumps showed unstable TMP, rising to ~11 mmHg within 10 minutes.
• Microphotography revealed pore plugging in devices used with peristaltic pumps.

Conclusions:

• Peristaltic pump operation leads to particle spallation and microfluidic pore clogging.
• Syringe pumps provide stable and reliable filtration, preventing particle-induced issues.
• The choice of pump significantly impacts microfluidic filtration efficiency and device longevity.