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Featured Application: This work describes the design for testability and the industrialized functional test methods of an insulin micropump for type 1 diabetes care. The test in the production of microfluidic devices dedicated to medical applications poses several challenges in terms of contamination, reliability, and cost. The present article describes the Design-for-Testability approach used to make an insulin MEMS micropump that can be fully tested in production in a few seconds. Each key functional parameter of a positive displacement micropump with check valves is described together with detailed pneumatic test methods. The typical failure modes of the device are considered and tested experimentally to show that these methods can also be used for failure analysis and process control. A simplified Built-In-Self-Test is also presented. Finally, advanced methods to characterize the piezoelectric actuator are also described and tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The test in the production of microfluidic devices dedicated to medical applications poses several challenges in terms of contamination, reliability, and cost. The present article describes the Design-for-Testability approach used to make an insulin MEMS micropump that can be fully tested in production in a few seconds. Each key functional parameter of a positive displacement micropump with check valves is described together with detailed pneumatic test methods. The typical failure modes of the device are considered and tested experimentally to show that these methods can also be used for failure analysis and process control. A simplified Built-In-Self-Test is also presented. Finally, advanced methods to characterize the piezoelectric actuator are also described and tested.

A method of covering a cellulose support with a semi-permeable membrane is discussed. This covering was carried out in a continuous manner with very good reproducibility. Due to the expected application and specific properties of the membrane obtained, a non-standard method of evaluation of the quality of the material appeared to be necessary. An objective method of studying the permeation time of the permeate through the membrane deposited on the support was determined. All the membranes obtained were studied utilizing this method. The weight composition of the membrane-forming mixture, the parameter which had an effect on the permeation time, was studied. The membraneforming polymer to pore-forming agent weight ratio and the pore-forming agent molecular weight were studied. The relationship between the times of depositing the membrane-forming mixtures and permeation times was also established. It was found that in the membranes obtained, no pore collapsing occurred. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]