Sensor, Micropump Combine for Single-use Drug Delivery Module

Fraunhofer EMFT’s silicon micropump has been combined with Sensirion’s LD20 single-use liquid flow sensor to develop a smart and cost-efficient miniaturized module for controlled and monitored drug delivery.

This highly integrated single-use drug delivery module measures a mere 35 x 15 x 5 mm3. The cost-efficient LD20 disposable liquid flow sensor used in this study is exceptionally compact and measures flow rates in the micro and millimeter per hour range with precision and reliability, thanks to the patented CMOSens Technology. Scientists at Fraunhofer EMFT have developed various micro-membrane pumps made of silicon, which can be manufactured in high volumes at wafer level for very low costs. The single-use drug delivery module is a highly integrated microfluidic system that can measure even the tiniest flow rates with speed, precision and intelligence. It features sensitive failure detection to help counteract cross flows and extravasation. The Fraunhofer EMFT micropump has been seamlessly integrated into the extended flow channel of the sensor and reaches—despite its tiny size type—dependent flow rates with water of up to 1000 µL/min. The minimum displaced volume is 50 nL.