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MilliporeSigma

Microfluidic devices powered by integrated elasto-magnetic pumps.

Lab on a chip (2020-10-24)
Jacob L Binsley, Elizabeth L Martin, Thomas O Myers, Stefano Pagliara, Feodor Y Ogrin
ABSTRACT

We show how an asymmetric elasto-magnetic system provides a novel integrated pumping solution for lab-on-a-chip and point of care devices. This monolithic pumping solution, inspired by Purcell's 3-link swimmer, is integrated within a simple microfluidic device, bypassing the requirement of external connections. We experimentally prove that this system can provide tuneable fluid flow with a flow rate of up to 600 μL h-1. This fluid flow is achieved by actuating the pump using a weak, uniform, uniaxial, oscillating magnetic field, with field amplitudes in the range of 3-6 mT. Crucially, the fluid flow can be reversed by adjusting the driving frequency. We experimentally prove that this device can successfully operate on fluids with a range of viscosities, where pumping at higher viscosity correlates with a decreasing optimal driving frequency. The fluid flow produced by this device is understood here by examining the non-reciprocal motion of the elasto-magnetic component. This device has the capability to replace external pumping systems with a simple, integrated, lab-on-a-chip component.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Supelco
Micro particles based on polystyrene, analytical standard, size: 15 μm