3-D printed composite microfluidic pump for wearable biomedical applications

An integrated wearable 3-D printable microfluidic pump was developed, which uses a novel actuation process. Fused deposition manufacture 3-D printing was used as a means to accurately produce this device. This resulted in the fabrication of high precision integrated parts made from poly-lactic-acid bioplastic. By integrating an electro-magnetically actuated closed diffuser nozzle pump configuration a micro-fabricated microfluidic pump has been produced. Biofluids have been driven through the device by actuating a composite polydimethylsiloxane diaphragm actuated polymeric microstructure diaphragm membrane using electromagnetic force. This composite diaphragm was made by suspending 10 μm iron particles in the polydimethylsiloxane at concentrations of 30%, 40% and 50%. It is shown that this device acts as an effective electromagnetic force actuated a pump. It is successfully demonstrated that a square wave electromagnetic signal is effective for generating a 2.2 μL/min flow rate of biofluid. The integration of 3D printed devices to form a micropump is proven through practical testing which demonstrate a controllable flow rate was generated.