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Characterization of a micropump to implement into a digestible nanopill
Introduction
The BIOS Lab-on-a-chip Group is currently developing a digestible pill that is capable of in vivo molecular diagnostics (figure 1). In our project we are developing microfluidics and electronics for the nanopill. Here nano refers to certain nanoscale components contained in the pill. In the microfluidics part we are designing pumps, valves and channels for the sample extraction and transport of analytes and reagents. The electronics will control the pumps and valves, read out the sensors, process the data and finally notify the patient (preferably wireless).
Project goal
In this project you may characterize a recently developed peristaltic micropump (figure 2) by modeling the pump in terms of flow rate as a function of the actuation voltage, maximum pressure build-up and overall efficiency. In addition you will perform various experiments and compare the experimental results with you own theory/model in order to optimize the pumping characteristics.
Last but not least the pumps are fabricated in PDMS which implies a relatively quick and easy fabrication process. Therefore you may realize your pumps yourself in our PDMS lab.
Interested?
Are you interested and for instance would like to make this (or part of this) your master or bachelor graduation work or practical term, do not hesitate to contact me.
Wouter Sparreboom
Phone: +31(0)53 489 4782
Email: w.sparreboom@utwente.nl
