A Split-pump-head DC Motor Driven Micropump for Space Cell Culture System

Objective In order to build the miniaturized,integrated and automated cell culture system suitable for space medical cytobiology research,a split-pump-head DC motor driven peristaltic micropump with valve control function and the advantages of reliable performance,simple operation and maintenance and low cost was proposed.Methods The performances of micropumps based on different rated voltage DC motors and reduction ratios were tested.The automated cell culture loop with the micropump as its key component was established,and then the mid-long-term MG63 cell and vascular endothelial cell culture experiments were carried out.Results The micropump flow and the driving voltage achieved a nice linear relationship at zero back pressure.The flow of the micropump based on DC motor with the rated voltage of 8 V (16 V) increased from 0.29 mL/min to 0.67 mL/min (from 2.63 mL/min to 4.95 mL/min),as the voltage increased from 6 V to 10 V (from 8 V to 12 V).15 d continuous measurement showed that the micropump had excellent stability.The MG63 cells and the vascular endothelial cells proliferated normally for 15 d in the automatic cell culture loop with the micropump as its core component.Conclusion The split-pump-head DC motor driven micropump has the advantages of low pollution risk and simple flow regulation.It is concluded that the micropump can satisfy the requirements of building the space automated cell culture system in China.