Syringe, peristaltic, or pressure microfluidic pumps: which one is the best?
Selecting the right pump is crucial for achieving precise and consistent flow in various applications, from biological research to chemical processing. Syringe, peristaltic, and pressure microfluidic pumps each offer distinct flow characteristics, making them suitable for different experimental needs and conditions. Understanding the strengths and limitations of microfluidic pumps can help you make the best choice for your specific application.
Pump system | Flow profile | Flow rate | Flow rate control | Flow continuity |
Syringe pump | Oscillating, pulsatility depends on the pump | Suitable for low flow rates | Precise, controlled by the pump | Disrupted when pull/push transition or when syringe empties |
Peristaltic pump | Pulsatile, can be reduced with a dampener | Not suitable for low flow rates | Moderate, controlled by the pump and tubing selection | Continuous flow, can be disrupted when refilling reservoirs* |
Pressure pump | Highly stable profile; Variety of flows possible: pulsatile, steady, stepwise, custom | Suitable for both low and high flow rates | Very precise; Uses a flow sensor feedback loop | Continuous flow, can be disrupted when refilling reservoirs* |
*Infinite volume looping in a recirculation setup
Syringe microfluidic pumps
Flow profile: Oscillating
Working principle: Syringe pumps push or withdraw fluid through a microfluidic channel using an electric motor and syringe plunger. Programmable pumps allow for custom flow profiles.
Characteristics/Considerations:
- Constant flow rate, even with varying resistance
- Suitable for precise control and low flow rates (µL/min to mL/min)
- Flow is disrupted when the syringe is empty and during push/pull transition.
- Flow rate not monitored in real-time; calibration may be needed
- Applications: Drug delivery studies, microfluidic cell assays, and analytical measurements.
Peristaltic microfluidic pumps
Flow profile: Pulsatile
Working principle: Fluid is pushed through flexible tubing by rollers compressing and releasing the tubing.
Characteristics/Considerations:
- Continuous flow
- Moderately pulsatile flow; can be reduced with a dampener
- Suitable for shear-sensitive fluids
- Less precise than syringe pumps and pressure controllers, especially at low flow rates
- Requires calibration for stable flow rate
- Applications: Handling chemicals and long-continuous flow applications, such as cell perfusion.
Pressure microfluidic pumps
Flow profile: Pulsatile, steady, stepwise, customized
Working principle: Controls pressure to drive fluid through microfluidic channels, allowing for dynamic flow control.
Characteristics/Considerations:
- High precision and fast response
- Continuous and constant flow with a stable pressure source
- Suitable for both low and high flow rates
- Flow rate influenced by channel resistance or fluid viscosity
- More costly and complex compared to simpler systems
- Applications: Droplet generation, rapid mixing, cell-based assays, and perfusion systems.
Want to know more on this subject? Check the extended review comparing the different microfluidic pump flow profiles and characteristics.
Conclusion
Each type of microfluidic pumps – syringe, peristaltic, and pressure – offers unique advantages depending on the application. Syringe pumps offer precise control at low flow rates but can experience disruptions during transitions. Peristaltic pumps are ideal for continuous flow and sensitive fluids but lack precision and cannot handle very low flow rates. Pressure pumps provide flexible, fast response for dynamic control but are more complex and costly. Carefully evaluating the requirements of your experiment will help determine the most suitable pump for achieving optimal results.
This review was written by Celeste Chidiac, PhD.
Published in January 2025.
Contact: Partnership[at]microfluidic.fr
