Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
Lab Chip. 2021 Dec 7;21(24):4772-4778. doi: 10.1039/d1lc00691f.
Manipulation of fluid flow is paramount for microfluidic device operation. Conventional microfluidic pumps are often expensive, bulky, complicated, and not amenable in limited resource settings. Here, we introduce a Fully self-sufficient, RobUst, Gravity-Assisted, Low-cost (FRUGAL) microfluidic pump. The pump consists of a syringe, a syringe holder and loading masses. The system is easy to assemble, inexpensive, portable, and electrical power-free. Inside the syringe, the fluid is driven by the pressure from the weight of the loading masses. During operation, the exerted pressure is dynamically controllable and stable for hours. These features are useful for optimization of microfluidics assays and dynamic temporal studies. We demonstrate the application of this system to control the formation of water-in-oil droplet emulsion. Benefitting from its simplicity and versatility, the frugal microfluidic pump will enable global adoption of microfluidic technology in chemistry and biomedical applications, especially in limited resource environments.
流体流动的控制对于微流控设备的运行至关重要。传统的微流控泵通常昂贵、庞大、复杂，并且在资源有限的环境中不适用。在这里，我们介绍了一种完全自给自足、坚固耐用、重力辅助、低成本（FRUGAL）的微流控泵。该泵由注射器、注射器支架和加载质量组成。该系统易于组装、价格低廉、便携且无需电力。在注射器内部，液体被加载质量的重量产生的压力驱动。在操作过程中，施加的压力是动态可控的且稳定数小时。这些功能对于优化微流控分析和动态时间研究非常有用。我们展示了该系统在控制油包水乳液形成方面的应用。得益于其简单性和多功能性，这种经济实惠的微流控泵将使全球在化学和生物医学应用中采用微流控技术，特别是在资源有限的环境中。
