Design Exploration for Biological Fluid Sampling Platform

Abstract

This work explores the design of an implantable, peristaltic pumping platform for chronic sampling of neuropeptides. The project drew inspiration from a pumping platform previously developed in the Cima Lab. Users have reported that the previous platform is difficult to use. The pump is also nearly 47x too large to be implanted in rats, which restricts its use to sedated or tethered animals. The project aimed to improve usability and enable implantation. Alternative fluidic junction methods and alternative actuation modes were investigated. The new junction design improves usability by enabling repeated, reversible attachment to the pump. The new, more efficient pump design reduces the pump volume by 49x, enabling implantation.