Critical Review and Exploration on Micro-pumps for Microfluidic Delivery

Abstract

This review covers various types of micro-pumps designs, and the design aspects of an IPMC actuator-based micro-pump are much focused on flow rate as the primary objective while maintaining a low power consumption. A detailed comparison of various diaphragm micro-pump types and pump structures is discussed. The need for durability led to the choice of valve-less micro-pump over their active counterparts. Choice of PEGDA (Polyethyleneglycoldiacrylate) as the membrane material for actuation has been proposed due to the ease of curing and biocompatibility aspect. In addition to the review, a 2D simulation of IPMC membrane has been performed for obtaining corresponding values of membrane displacement in COMSOL Mutliphysics. The valve-less nozzle/diffuser configuration with a conical angle of 4–6̊ allows the pump to provide the desired flow rate. The simulation results show the relationship between applied voltage, frequency, dimensions and displacement of actuator and the flow rate and accumulated flow volume for various cone angles of valve. Further, the backflow rates for conical and tesla valves have been observed at various pressures. Tesla valve exhibits a much lesser backflow rate of 240 µl/s at an inlet pressure of 130 Pa.