A compact modularized power-supply system for stable flow generation in microfluidic devices

Li，Weihao1,2; Zhuge，Wuyang1,3; Jiang，Youwei1; Jiang，Kyle3,4; Ding，Jun3; Cheng，Xing1

2023-12-01

10.1007/s10404-023-02693-w

Microfluidics and Nanofluidics   影响因子和分区

1613-4982

1613-4990

The miniaturization of microfluidic systems plays a pivotal role in achieving portability and compactness. However, conventional microfluidic systems heavily rely on external bulky facilities, such as syringe pumps and compressed air supplies, for continuous flow, which restricts their dissemination across various applications. To address this limitation, micropumps have emerged as a potential solution for portable power supply in microfluidic systems, with piezoelectric micropumps being widely adopted. Nonetheless, the inherent pulsatile mechanism of piezoelectric micropumps leads to unstable flow, necessitating appropriate mitigation for applications requiring flow stability. This research introduces an innovative hybrid pumping system that integrates a wirelessly controlled micropump with a 3D-printed modular microfluidic low-pass-filter. The primary objective of this system is to offer a portable and stable flow source for microfluidic applications. The system design and characterization are based on a three-element circuit model. Experimental results demonstrate a highly stabilized flow rate of 657 ± 7 µL/min. Furthermore, the versatility of the system is showcased by successfully forming droplets with a polydispersity ranging from 1.5% to 4%, comparable to that of bulky commercial pumping systems. This hybrid pumping system offers a promising solution for applications necessitating portable and stable flow sources, and its reconfigurability suggests potential integration into multifunctional microfluidic platforms.

3D printing Droplet generation Flow stabilization Microfluidic circuit Modular design Piezoelectric micropump Portable pumping system

SCI ; EI

英语

第一 ; 通讯

WOS:001097402200002

20234314943937

3D printing ; Electric power systems ; Fluidic devices ; Low pass filters ; Microfluidics ; Piezoelectricity ; Pumps ; Timing circuits

Pumps:618.2 ; Hydraulic Equipment and Machinery:632.2 ; Microfluidics:632.5.1 ; Electricity: Basic Concepts and Phenomena:701.1 ; Electric Filters:703.2 ; Electric Power Systems:706.1 ; Pulse Circuits:713.4 ; Control Equipment:732.1 ; Printing Equipment:745.1.1

2-s2.0-85174512366

Scopus

1.The Greater Bay Area University Joint Laboratory of Micro- and Nanofabrication,Department of Materials Science and Engineering,Southern University of Science and Technology,Shenzhen,Guangdong,China
2.Department of Materials Science and Engineering,National University of Singapore,Singapore,9 Engineering Drive 1,117576,Singapore
3.Department of Mechanical Engineering,University of Birmingham,Birmingham,Edgbaston,B152TT,United Kingdom
4.Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University,Jiaxing,705 Yatai Road, Zhejiang,China

Li，Weihao,Zhuge，Wuyang,Jiang，Youwei,et al. A compact modularized power-supply system for stable flow generation in microfluidic devices[J]. Microfluidics and Nanofluidics,2023,27(12).

Li，Weihao,Zhuge，Wuyang,Jiang，Youwei,Jiang，Kyle,Ding，Jun,&Cheng，Xing.(2023).A compact modularized power-supply system for stable flow generation in microfluidic devices.Microfluidics and Nanofluidics,27(12).

Li，Weihao,et al."A compact modularized power-supply system for stable flow generation in microfluidic devices".Microfluidics and Nanofluidics 27.12(2023).