Abstract: A peristaltic micropump includes one or more flexible channels configured to transfer one or more pumped fluids, and an actuator configured to engage the one or more flexible channels and rotate about a central axis. The actuator includes a plurality of rolling elements and a driving element configured such that the driving element operably rotates about the central axis and each rolling element operably rolls about a respective axis that is not parallel to the central axis. The plurality of rolling elements is disposed between the one or more flexible channels and the driving element. The driving element includes a cage configured to capture the plurality of rolling elements such that the plurality of rolling elements is located at different radii from a center of the cage.

Abstract: A rotary planar peristaltic micropump (RPPM) includes an actuator having a shaft engaged with a motor such that activation of the motor causes the shaft to rotate, and a bearing assembly engaged with the shaft. The bearing assembly has a bearing cage defining a plurality of spaced-apart openings thereon, and a plurality of rolling-members accommodated in the plurality of spaced-apart openings of the bearing cage, such that when the shaft rotates, the plurality of rolling-members of the bearing assembly rolls along a circular path. The RPPM also includes a fluidic path in fluidic communication with first and second ports. The fluidic path is positioned under the actuator and coincident with the circular path, such that when the shaft of the actuator rotates, the plurality of rolling-members of the bearing assembly rolls along the fluidic path to cause a fluid to transfer between the first and second ports.

Abstract: A peristaltic micropump includes one or more flexible channels configured to transfer one or more pumped fluids, and an actuator configured to engage the one or more flexible channels and rotate about a central axis. The actuator includes a plurality of rolling elements and a driving element configured such that the driving element operably rotates about the central axis and each rolling element operably rolls about a respective axis that is not parallel to the central axis. The plurality of rolling elements is disposed between the one or more flexible channels and the driving element. The driving element includes a cage configured to capture the plurality of rolling elements such that the plurality of rolling elements is located at different radii from a center of the cage.

Abstract: A rotary planar peristaltic micropump (RPPM) includes an actuator having a shaft engaged with a motor such that activation of the motor causes the shaft to rotate, and a bearing assembly engaged with the shaft. The bearing assembly has a bearing cage defining a plurality of spaced-apart openings thereon, and a plurality of rolling-members accommodated in the plurality of spaced-apart openings of the bearing cage, such that when the shaft rotates, the plurality of rolling-members of the bearing assembly rolls along a circular path. The RPPM also includes a fluidic path in fluidic communication with first and second ports. The fluidic path is positioned under the actuator and coincident with the circular path, such that when the shaft of the actuator rotates, the plurality of rolling-members of the bearing assembly rolls along the fluidic path to cause a fluid to transfer between the first and second ports.

Abstract: A platform for cultivation, maintenance, and/or analysis of one or more bio-objects includes one or more integrated bio-object microfluidics modules. Each integrated bio-object microfluidics module is configured to cultivate, maintain, analyze and/or mimic functionalities of a respective bio-object, and includes one or more on-chip pumps; a plurality of fluidic switches; and a microfluidic chip in fluid communication with the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches, having at least one chamber for accommodating the bio-object and a plurality of fluidic paths connecting the at least one chamber, the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches, and a power and control unit adapted for selectively and individually controlling the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches for performing bio-object microfluidics functions.

Abstract: A platform for cultivation, maintenance, and/or analysis of one or more bio-objects includes one or more integrated bio-object microfluidics modules. Each integrated bio-object microfluidics module is configured to cultivate, maintain, analyze and/or mimic functionalities of a respective bio-object, and includes one or more on-chip pumps; a plurality of fluidic switches; and a microfluidic chip in fluid communication with the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches, having at least one chamber for accommodating the bio-object and a plurality of fluidic paths connecting the at least one chamber, the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches, and a power and control unit adapted for selectively and individually controlling the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches for performing bio-object microfluidics functions.

Abstract: A peristaltic micropump comprising one or more conduits configured to transfer one or more pumped fluids, wherein each conduit comprises: an inlet (106), an outlet (107), a central portion (102) between the inlet and the outlet, and an actuator (103, 105) configured to engage the central portions of the one or more conduits.