Miniaturized soft centrifugal pumps with magnetic levitation for fluid handling

Abstract

Centrifugal pumps are essential mechanical components for liquid delivery in many biomedical systems whose miniaturization can promote innovative disease treatment approaches. However, centrifugal pumps are predominately constructed by rigid and bulky components. Here, we combine the soft materials and flexible electronics to achieve soft magnetic levitation micropumps (SMLMs) that are only 1.9 to 12.8 grams in weight. The SMLMs that rotate at a rotation speed of 1000 revolutions per min to pump liquids with various viscosities ranging from 1 to 6 centipoise can be used in assisting dialysis, blood circulation, and skin temperature control because of excellent biocompatibility with no organ damage. The development of SMLMs not only demonstrates the possibility to replace rigid rotating structures with soft materials for handling large volumes of fluids but also indicates the potential for fully flexible artificial organs that may revolutionize health care and improve the well-being of patients.