Texture enhanced microTesla pump for artifact free and spike free microfluidic stimulation of \(\beta\) cells

Abstract

Precise control of shear stress is essential for maintaining \(\beta\)-cell physiology in microfluidic perifusion assays, where transient pressure fluctuations can alter glucose-stimulated responses. In this work, we present a boundary-layer-driven microTesla (\(\mu\)Tesla) pump engineered to deliver stable, non-pulsatile flow for shear-sensitive biological studies. Using combined computational fluid dynamics and experimental validation, we examined how surface texturization, slip length, and fluid viscosity collectively influence boundary-layer development, shear distribution, and pump output. The \(\mu\)Tesla II pump produced laminar, viscosity-adaptive flow across Newtonian and non-Newtonian regimes, maintaining consistent outlet velocity even under high-viscosity conditions. Surface textures modulated slip length to enhance viscous coupling, yielding smooth acceleration and reduced startup surges relative to conventional syringe and peristaltic pumps. When applied to \(\beta\)-cell perifusion, \(\mu\)Tesla II minimized flow-induced artifacts, preserving physiological calcium and ATP dynamics during glucose stimulation. Overall, these findings establish the \(\mu\)Tesla II as a low-shear perifusion platform that reduces flow-induced artifacts, improves the reproducibility of short-term flow-based cellular assays, and supports the advancement of organ-on-chip and diabetes research models.