Epoxy coating to prolog actuation time in degas-driven PDM micropums

To enhance the portability of Lab-on-a-Chip technology, avoiding bulky electronic flow control systems is crucial. Self-powered microfluidics can significantly improve portability by eliminating the need for electronic components. Traditionally, self-powered microsystems handle small fluid volumes f...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Álvarez Braña, Yara, Benavent Claró, Andreu, Benito López, Fernando, Hernández Machado, Aurora, Basabe Desmonts, Lourdes
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de la UB
OAI Identifier:oai:diposit.ub.edu:2445/227987
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/227987
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Microprocessadors
Microelectrònica
Microprocessors
Microelectronics
Descripción
Sumario:To enhance the portability of Lab-on-a-Chip technology, avoiding bulky electronic flow control systems is crucial. Self-powered microfluidics can significantly improve portability by eliminating the need for electronic components. Traditionally, self-powered microsystems handle small fluid volumes for up to one or two hours. However, many experiments, such as cell culture or real-time biomarker detection assays, require flow control for longer periods. In this study, we demonstrate that polymeric micropumps can provide self-powered flow control for intermediate durations, ranging from several to more than 10 hours. By monitoring the fluid front dynamics of a solution flowing through a microchannel over 1.5 meters long, we developed calibration curves for various micropump types. Our findings reveal that the pump's actuation time is influenced by degassing time, and effective surface area. Using these calibration curves, we compare mathematical models to predict flow rates and actuation times, facilitating the design of customized self-powered microsystems for both short and long-term applications. Epoxy-coated PDMS pumps represent a notable example of a long-operating self-powered microsystem, which holds significant potential for applications requiring controlled flow over extended periods.