TITAN: a conducting polymer based microfluidic pump

The electromechanical actuation properties of polypyrrole have been utilized in the design and development of a low voltage fluid movement system for microfluidic channels. A confined concentric arrangement of polypyrrole actuators is used to induce fluid movement through an inner channel in a singl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Smart materials and structures 2005-12, Vol.14 (6), p.1511-1516
Main Authors: Wu, Y, Zhou, D, Spinks, G M, Innis, P C, Megill, W M, Wallace, G G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Exact sciences and technology
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
General equipment and techniques
Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy
Measurement and testing methods
Physics
Servo and control equipment
robots
Solid mechanics
Structural and continuum mechanics
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Summary:The electromechanical actuation properties of polypyrrole have been utilized in the design and development of a low voltage fluid movement system for microfluidic channels. A confined concentric arrangement of polypyrrole actuators is used to induce fluid movement through an inner channel in a single unit. Series connection of these units and appropriate electrical connection/stimulation induces a novel peristaltic action that enables fluids to be pumped in a predetermined direction. Flow rates of up to 2.5 mul min-1 can be achieved against a back pressure of 50 mbar, which is sufficient to enable fluid movement in a glass capillary channel (diameter: 266 mum, length: 12.8 cm). The mechanism of fluid movement enables the use of low voltage devices (1 V) to drive fluid with an average power requirement of 8.7 mW.
ISSN:0964-1726
1361-665X
DOI:10.1088/0964-1726/14/6/043