Micropump Utilizing Localized Magnetic-Field-Induced Deformation of MSM Elements to Deliver Sub-Microliter Volumes of Drugs to the Rat Brain

S. Barker1, E. Rhoads1, P. Lindquist1, M. Vreugdenhill2, P. Müllner1
1Boise State University; Boise, USA,
2University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Abstract:
Magnetic shape-memory alloys exhibit strong magneto-structural coupling enabling large magnetic-fieldinduced deformation. Local control of twinning via variable inhomogeneous magnetic fields initiates local reversible deformation. We applied this concept to build a valve-less micropump consisting of a Ni-Mn-Ga single crystal, a casing, and a rod magnet. The micropump successfully pumped fluid in opposite directions when the magnet was turned clockwise and counter clockwise. Here, we modify this micropump for application in rat a head stage, which would simultaneously monitor electroencephalograph data and deliver 0.5-5.0 μl of a drug solution at 100-500 nl/min directly to the rat’s brain.