Open-source tubing-free impeller pump platform for controlled recirculating fluid flow for microfluidics and...

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• Biotechnology
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Microfluidic devices, including organs-on-chip (OOCs), require precise fluid flow for nutrient delivery, cell communication, and shear stress application.
• Current microfluidic systems often necessitate complex tubing, limiting accessibility for non-experts.
• There is a need for user-friendly, affordable, and incubator-compatible pumps for microscale fluidic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel impeller pump platform for tubing-free recirculating fluid flow in microfluidic systems.
• To create an affordable, easy-to-assemble, and user-friendly pump compatible with cell culture incubators.
• To enable customization of microfluidic devices and OOCs through 3D printing integration.

Main Methods:

• Developed an impeller pump platform driven by a magnetic stir bar or 3D-printed impeller rotated by a DC motor.
• Integrated the pump with user-defined microfluidic or OOC device geometries, allowing for 3D printing customization.
• Utilized low-cost materials and simple circuitry for ease of assembly and accessibility.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated recirculating fluid flow in a microfluidic loop without tubing connections.
• Achieved well-characterized flow velocities ranging from µm/s to mm/s.
• The system's DC motor produced negligible heat, ensuring compatibility with cell culture incubators.

Conclusions:

• The developed impeller pump platform offers a simple, affordable, and user-friendly solution for microfluidic fluid control.
• This technology lowers the barrier for non-experts to incorporate fluid flow into microscale technologies, including OOCs.
• The platform's adaptability and ease of use are expected to foster broader adoption of microfluidic applications across various scientific disciplines.