Filtration & fluid control
Lab-on-a-chip devices integrate laboratory functions on a nano scale.
lateral flow assays familiar from Covid-19 testing. But they offer less control over flow rates and are generally unsuitable for more complex diagnostics. Selecting the right pump is only part of the equation. Integration is just as critical, says Ding. To fully realise the potential of lab-on-a-chip systems, engineers must harmonise pumping, sensing and analysis functions without sacrificing reliability or adding bulk. Maintaining performance over time, especially in field conditions, is another key design challenge, Ding points out.
Cell sorting $54.61bn The global
microfluidics market is projected to more than double, from $22.78bn in 2024 to over $50bn by 2032.
Research and Markets 80
One of the most promising applications of microfluidic pumps is in cell sorting and separation – a foundational step in many diagnostics. The IntelliSep test is one example, but Ding believes that microfluidic cell sorting’s real potential lies ahead. His research looks at bringing this form of sophisticated analysis to point-of-care settings. “Most cell sorting steps are done in lab-based settings,” he points out. “If we can solve this problem of separating different cell types, it will make it possible to achieve diagnosis at home.” The implications could be particularly significant for cancer diagnostics, Ding believes. Circulating tumour cells can provide valuable information about the disease’s progression and spread but detecting them requires precise fluid handling and separation techniques. Microfluidic pumps, though, could potentially enable the development of portable devices capable of performing these sophisticated analyses outside of traditional laboratory settings. Right now, syringe pumps are most commonly used in lab-based cell sorting, Ding explains. That’s because they are easy to use and accessible, but they have limitations: fluid volume is limited by syringe barrel size, and the method may cause fluctuations in fluid flow. The laminar flow produced by the syringe may not adequately mix samples. Peristaltic pumps could achieve a greater range of
flow rates, but they can cause pulsing that interferes with precise sorting. Trying to eliminate this issue wastes space inside the chip. Passive pumps don’t work well for heavier materials like cells. While electro-osmotic flow has potential for fully chip- based systems but can damage sensitive cells, limiting its usefulness in live-cell applications.
Pumped for the future
While current research largely centres on general- purpose microfluidic pumps, Ding anticipates a shift towards more application-specific systems. Some specialised designs are beginning to emerge, he says, but most work to date has focused on versatile, all-purpose pumps rather than those engineered for complex tasks like cell sorting. Beyond diagnostics, microfluidic pumps also offer exciting possibilities in therapeutics, such as diabetes management, Ding says. Because the disease requires precise, timed delivery of insulin based on blood glucose levels, it’s an ideal candidate for microfluidic-enabled solutions. “You can put a small chip, even a very flexible, wearable one, on the skin, and this can deliver or release insulin into the body on demand,” Ding explains. The technology could operate under patient control through smartphone apps or buttons, or even more intelligently by automatically detecting blood glucose levels and adjusting insulin delivery accordingly. In the future, micro-pumps may also enable delivery of multiple drugs in precise combinations. This could be especially helpful for patients taking combination therapies, or for improving access in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. Microfluidic pumps could reshape how, where and when care happens in the future and help respond to the fine control needed for today’s diagnostic complexity. Combining precision engineering and clinical insight, micropumps are not just moving fluids, but moving diagnostics and treatments out of laboratories and hospitals into people’s hands. ●
www.medicaldevice-developments.com
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