Creation and demonstration of a biomimetic distributed microfluidic pumping system

Microfluidic systems are ubiquitous in biosensing applications. However, distributed pumping within microfluidic systems remains a difficult task. Fortunately, distributed pumping of fluids through small channels at low Reynolds number is a problem whose solution is present in biological systems such as lymphatic valves and venous valves. In this study, we create and demonstrate a scaled prototype of a microfluidic pumping system that uses flexible bileaflet valves to harness pressure gradients in the microchannel to provide for continuous passive flow of a viscous fluid. We discuss design improvements that enhance the ability of this system to function on wearable biosensors, and demonstrate the effect of these improvements on device functionality. This research moves us toward implementation of an inexpensive method of providing passive distributed pumping in microfluidic devices such as wearable biosensors. Further, this system can be used as a readily-controllable platform for the study of thrombosis in physiological venous valves.