(98m) Pump Characterization for Integration With a Microfabricated CNF Array Sensor

Tuskegee University, in collaboration with NASA Ames, is integrating a Carbon NanoFiber (CNF) array sensor with microchannels, external pumps and detection capability.  The focus of this study is the external pumps that were considered.  Peristaltic, piezoelectric and electro-osmotic pumps were evaluated for use with the microfabricated CNF array biosensor. Specifically, applied voltage versus flow rate curves were obtained for all three pumps with water as the pumped fluid.  Additionally, the source frequency was considered for the piezoelectric pump.   For the peristaltic pump, the application of 5 V yielded a flow rate of 1,000 μL/min with linear behavior over the range of applied voltages.  For the piezoelectric pump, at 50 Hz and 250 V, the flow rate was 4,200 μL/min.  Lastly, for the electro-osmotic pump, an applied voltage of 12 V yielded a flow rate of 60 μL/min.  Overall, the results are consistent with the manufacturer’s specifications and suggest that each of the pumps is suitable for different flow rate and power requirements.  The results of this study will be presented in poster format.