title: A μ-biomimetic flow sensor for medical and pharmaceutical applications.
abstract: Flow sensing is pivotal in many medical and pharmaceutical applications. Most commercial flow sensors are either expensive, complex, or consume a lot of energy, while low cost sensors usually lack sensitivity, robustness, or long-term stability. In addition, the maintenance and sterilization of most commercial flow sensors is difficult to perform. Here, we present a new μ-biomimetic flow sensor based on the fish lateral line. It measures flow velocity and detects the transition between laminar and turbulent flow, thereby fulfilling most requirements for medical and pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, it has a modular setup featuring a screened or passive bypass configuration, enabling it not only to meter flow in medical applications but also under harsh or well-defined environmental conditions, such as found in pharmaceutical applications. The sensor is robust and can be easily cleaned. Individual parts of the sensor can even be replaced or sterilized. In sum, this sensor opens up a whole new field of applications in the area of medical and pharmaceutical related flow monitoring.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stepniak
authors.forename: Horst
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bleckmann
authors.forename: Hendrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Herzog
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schulze
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taetzner
authors.forename: Siegfried
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Steltenkamp
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D032701:Biomimetics; D005399:Fishes; D008465:Mechanoreceptors; D013242:Sterilization