Pressure pulsation damping mechanism in a peristaltic pump system
- Tokaihit
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Solving the "pulsation problem" of peristaltic pumps
MiViVo-BPU enables stable perfusion and highly reproducible cell experiments
When using peristaltic pumps for perfusion culture, researchers face certain challenges.
This is "pressure pulsation (pulse) caused by the pump structure."
This pulsation can have unintended effects on cellular responses in experiments assessing shear stress or under prolonged perfusion conditions.
For this reason, many researchers have sought to create a flow that is as continuous and smooth as possible.
Tokai HIT's MiViVo-BPU (Constant Pressure Pump Unit) is attracting attention for this reason. In addition to conventional two-dimensional culture environments, research is being actively conducted using three-dimensional microvascular models, the effects of shear stress on gene expression in endothelial cells, and the molecular biomechanics of mechanical responses in vascular cells.
This article also introduces the actual test results, so please read to the end.
table of contents
1. Pulsation of peristaltic pumps
A peristaltic pump uses a roller to push a tube and deliver fluid.
However, as the rollers repeatedly push and release, positive and negative pressure inevitably occur alternately.
This pressure fluctuation is
Unintentional shear stimulation
Fluctuations in the flow rate of the culture medium
Stress sources during long-term culture
This can lead to poor experimental reproducibility. Shear stress (fluid shear stress) refers to the force exerted on vascular endothelial cells by blood flow. When the speed or direction of blood flow changes, the shear stress on endothelial cells also changes, affecting the morphology and function of the cells.
2. The "buffer" mechanism dramatically reduces pulsation
The greatest strength of the MiViVo-BPU is that it comes standard with a "buffer (buffer chamber)" that is integrated into the pump.
This buffer absorbs pressure fluctuations and dramatically reduces pump-induced pulsation to less than 1 mmHg.
▼ Actual measurement data shows overwhelming effectiveness
The amplitude increases as the flow rate increases.
Large pressure fluctuations of ±50 to 60 mmHg
Clear pulse waveform
Pressure fluctuations less than ±1 mmHg
Extremely smooth waveform close to noise level
This is an exceptionally low pulsation performance for a peristaltic pump.
3. Why are buffers so effective?
Why are buffers so effective?
The MiViVo-BPU buffer is not just an "air reservoir" or an aftermarket part.
It is "designed specifically for research use" and combines the functions of a pressure damper, bubble trap, and pressure measurement chamber.
Three effects of buffers
Absorbs pressure fluctuations (functions as a damper)
It can smooth out sudden pressure changes caused by pressing the roller.
Bubble removal as a bubble trap
Reduces bubble problems during long-term perfusion.
Can be used as a pressure sensor port
This makes it easy to monitor pressure during an experiment.
This design simultaneously improves ease of use and reproducibility in cell experiments.
4. Tokai Hit's MiViVo-BPU series
Benefits of introducing MiViVo-BPU to your research
① Highly reproducible perfusion experiments are possible
Pulsation is nearly zero,
Shear Response
blood flow simulation
Long-term perfusion culture
Improved data stability in experiments under sensitive conditions such as:
② Reduces stress on cells
The effects of unnecessary pressure fluctuations and bubbles are reduced,
This makes it easier to stabilize the culture state, which is particularly effective for long-term observation.
3) The device configuration is simple and easy to use
A buffer is included as standard,
There is no need for homemade dampers or additional piping, and anyone can recreate the same conditions.
4. Good compatibility with pressure monitoring and control
The buffer part can be used as a pressure measurement chamber.
Ideal for researchers who want to numerically control perfusion conditions.
5. Summary
While peristaltic pumps are convenient, they have an inherent characteristic called pressure pulsation , which, if used without understanding it, can unintentionally affect experimental conditions.
The introduction of MiViVo-BPU is
Without significantly changing the device configuration
Stabilizes the experimental environment
It's a very practical solution.
To build an experimental system where you can confidently say, "The set flow rate = the flow felt by the cells," why not consider introducing the MiViVo-BPU?
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