TITAN: a conducting polymer based microfluidic pump

Authors

Yanzhe Wu, University of WollongongFollow
Dezhi Zhou, University of Wollongong
Geoffrey M. Spinks, University of WollongongFollow
Peter C. Innis, University of WollongongFollow
W Megill, University of Bath
G G. Wallace, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

13755

Publication Details

Wu, Y., Zhou, D., Spinks, G. Maxwell., Innis, P. C., Megill, W. & Wallace, G. G. (2005). TITAN: a conducting polymer based microfluidic pump. Smart Materials and Structures, 14(6), 1511-1516.

Abstract

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 µl 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 µm, 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.