Paper Pumps Power Microfluidics

Mar-11-17 Tiny, affordable paper pumps that can be used to power microfluidic devices could help usher the devices out of the lab.

Although microfluidic devices hold much promise for portable medical testing, the current devices are typically powered in the lab by large, complicated pumps—which rather defeats their purpose.

To help bring the power of microfluidic devices into the field, a group of researchers from North Carolina State and the University of North Carolina created a paper pump that relies on capillary action to pull liquid into itself—much like a paper towel. The pumps, which do not require batteries, can be manipulated in three dimensions by creating layers, which in turn allows the team to fine-tune the flow profile depending on the application. And as an added bonus, each pump costs less than a dime.

More Info about this Invention:

[MEDGADGET.COM]
[NEWS.NCSU.EDU]

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