Design and multi-objective optimization of a magnetohydrodynamic drug delivery infusion micropump

Continuous drug infusion plays an important role in drug effectiveness. However, in most cases, the size, weight and power consumption of the conventional pumps are among the most important factors that cause a lot of problems for the patient comfort. The present work aims to design and optimize a Magneto hydrodynamic micro pump for continuous drug infusion. A mathematical model of Magneto hydrodynamic micro pump is proposed and solved analytically to investigate its feasibility for drug infusion. For the patient's comfort, the micro pump is optimized using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II. The number of channel rows and columns, channel height and width, and driving voltage are chosen as decision variables for multi-objective optimization. The Pareto front of the optimization result is presented. Six possible cases that meet the desired specifications are selected using a fuzzy decision-making approach. A computational fluid dynamic model is adopted to predict bubble formation due to the electrolysis phenomena. With higher reliability without any mechanical part, the present design can deliver drug flow 48 times while its driving voltage is 3 times lower than a conventional micro pump. In addition, it provides potentially better reliability and a simple fabrication process without any mechanical part.