Development of a Clockwork-driven Portable Non-electric Syringe Pump Fabricated by 3D Printing for Operating Microfluidic Devices

Abstract

Microfluidic devices necessitate a precise and consistent flow rate for fluid control. The increasing demand for microfluidics in point-of-care testing (POCT) and on-site detection highlights the need for a portable, electricity-free, cost-effective pumping method to operate microfluidic devices in resource-limited environments. In response, we introduce a fully 3D- printed, portable, and non-electric syringe pump driven by the torque generated from a flat spiral spring and an escapement system. This syringe pump can be easily operated by winding up the mainspring, and it provides various flow rates by using different syringe sizes and gear combinations for microfluidic applications. The 3D printed syringe pump can maintain a stable and consistent flow rate ranging from 1.4 to 12.0 µL/min. Anyone capable of handling the 3D printer can fabricate the syringe pump on demand. The pump's versatility and applicability are demonstrated through applications such as creating a linear concentration gradient using a gradient generator and generating microdroplets. We anticipate that the 3D printed syringe pump will be utilized in the on-site use of microfluidic platforms in resource- limited settings, contributing significantly to the widespread adoption of microfluidic technologies.