A compact syringe-assisted vacuum-driven micropumping with a constant flow rate

摘要

In this paper, a simple syringe-assisted pumping method was introduced. Compared with a previous study, the proposed design does not require pre-designed vacuum chamber. Using proposed pumps, multiple pumps can be integrated into one device as well as a constant flow rate can be achieved. This method enables a point-of-care pumping actuation methodology with more flexibility in hand-held polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidics devices opening up a wider range of applications. A constant flow with a rate ranging from 0.8 nl/s to 1.8 nl/s was achieved by adjusting PDMS wall thickness.