Kim M-J, Breuer K.S.
Brown University, US
Keywords: bacterial carpet, bacterial pumps, biomolecular motors, motility
In this paper we show that (i) the flow-deposition of bacteria can successfully create a live bacterial carpet to generate local fluid motion inside a microfabricated system; (ii), that the carpet-activated microfluidic system can be used not only to enhance mixing in the closed system but also to pump fluid autonomously for several hours and (iii), that the pumping performance of the system changes in response to modifications to the chemical and thermal environment of the bacteria. Such bacterial systems are (to our knowledge) the first demonstrations of biological actuation of an engineered microfluidic system. The robustness, ease of “manufacture” and the ability to genetically modify their behavior make such systems highly attractive for powering microfluidic devices.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2005 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: May 8, 2005
Pages: 712 - 715
Industry sectors: Medical & Biotech | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Micro & Bio Fluidics, Lab-on-Chip
ISBN: 0-9767985-0-6