Microfluidics company Dolomite are collaborating with Japanese technology company Nano Fusion Technologies (NFT) in the application of electro-osmotic micro pump technology for microfluidic use.
This collaboration will enable the development of very small scale pumping systems for use in such areas as drug delivery, drug discovery, point-of-care systems and a broad range of biotech applications.
Dr Gillian Davis, regional sales manager for Dolomite, said: 'This micro pump technology has a very small footprint and no moving parts, so is suitable for handheld and portable systems.
'In addition to this, it offers a very smooth flow, precise control and is capable of very low delivery volumes.' The micro pump is operated by applying a DC voltage and can also be controlled using a PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) signal to deliver variable flow rates for specific delivery requirements.
The Dolomite/NFT product also uses a specially-developed porous material within the pump that enables the device to deliver at pressures of more than 100kPa.
Although the working liquid for optimum use of the pump is de-ionised water, using indirect pumping methods, the micro electro-osmotic pump can be used with any liquid.
The micro pump can also be supplied with a power source and a flow sensor to assist in the early development of a system.
The power source allows variable voltages to be applied to the pump and the accurate flow sensor provides the necessary feedback for stable control.
This system is then interfaced to a PC to enable control and analysis.
