Integrated Micropumping

Micropumping has emerged as a critical research area for many electronics and biological applications. A significant driving force behind this research has been integration of pumping mechanisms into micro Total Analysis Systems (TAS) or similar multi-functional analysis techniques. However, electronics packaging, micromixing and microdosing systems, among others, have also exploited micropumping concepts. This work commences with a comprehensive review of the recent advances in micropump technologies. Quantitative comparison tables of various micropumping techniques are listed as tabular data for ready comparison. Of the micropumping techniques available, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumping is identified and explored for its viability in meeting convective cooling needs in the electronics market, and possibly providing a scalable pumping mechanism for microfluidics-based biomedical devices.