Magnetic pumps

Micropumps can be classified into two general categories: mechanical and nonmechanical micropumps (an excellent review on micropumps can be found elsewhere [1]). In a typical mechanical pump, a membrane is used to produce the pumping action. Nonmechanical micropumps on the other hand generally have no moving parts. Common mechanical micropumps fall into three categories based on the mechanical action used: check valve, peristaltic, and rotary pumps. They can also be categorized according to their actuation method: pneumatic, piezoelectric, external electric motor, or magnetic field. Among these actuation techniques, magnetic field actuation has shown promise for research purposes at micro- and nanoscales because of creating smooth fluid flow. Magnetic pumps can be found in both categories, mechanical, and nonmechanical in the literature.