Novel Pumping Methods for Microfluidic Devices: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This review is an account of methods that use various strategies to control microfluidic flow control with high accuracy. The reviewed systems are divided into two large groups based on the way they create flow: passive systems (non-mechanical systems) and active (mechanical) systems. Each group is presented by a number of device fabrications. We try to explain the main principles of operation, and we list advantages and disadvantages of the presented systems. Mechanical systems are considered in more detail, as they are currently an area of increased interest due to their unique precision flow control and “multitasking”. These systems are often applied as mini-laboratories, working autonomously without any additional operations, provided by humans, which is very important under complicated conditions. We also reviewed the integration of autonomous microfluidic systems with a smartphone or single-board computer when all data are retrieved and processed without using a personal computer. In addition, we discuss future trends and possible solutions for further development of this area of technology.

Combining Top-Down and Bottom-Up: An Open Microfluidic Microtumor Model for Investigating Tumor Cell-ECM Interaction and Anti-Metastasis

“…It is worth noting that the lateral flow generation and dynamics in UOMS are fundamentally different from the traditional closed microchannels with active pumping. [32] Right after sweep, the lateral flow is driven by the "local" Laplace pressure differential rather than the global pressure drop by active pumping. A part of the volume gets pumped into the two spots, generating spontaneous later flows in two opposite directions in the channel (Figure 1b, Figure 2a).…”

Open and closed microfluidics for biosensing

“…Many active microfluidic control methods have been reported, including electric field-based methods [ 150 ], acoustic-wave-based methods [ 151 ], centrifugal-force-based methods [ 152 ], heat methods [ 153 ], chemical methods [ 154 ], and optical methods [ 155 ]. Active liquid flow control systems usually require mechanical or electrical actuations, and other external forces to perform precise continuous-flow control and large task scope [ 156 ]. Despite their complexity, they enable real-time adaptation of fluid flow rate and direction, offering great flexibility in fluid manipulation.…”

Open tubular liquid chromatography: Recent advances and future trends

“…Finally, a recent review of pumping methods for microfluidic devices was published by Lakovlev et at. [58]. Although most of the studies described do not correspond to chromatographic applications, this review summarizes a series of passive (Gravity-Driven Flow, Capillary Action Flow, Surface Tension Flow, Vacuum Driven, Osmosis, and some passive pressure-driven micropumps) and mechanical (Pressure-Driven Systems, Centrifugal Microfluidics, Electrokinetic Platforms, and Acoustic Streaming) strategies for the driving of samples and solvents through microfluidic devices mainly based on open channels.…”