Yeast-powered self-regulating microfluidic pump based on a four-parameter fermentation model

Baker’s yeast is a common microorganism that is well-known for its fermentation activities. The fermentation process naturally produces CO ₂ , leading to a gradual increase in internal pressure within sealed environments. Meanwhile, passive pumps are rising in the microfluidics field for their simplicity, low energy requirements, and suitability for portable and disposable devices. Here, we harnessed yeast fermentation as a biological power source for a passive pump, enabling fluid flow in microfluidic systems. This approach introduces a cost-effective, self-sustaining solution and extends the concept of passive pumping into the realm of biological systems. The custom mechanical pump operates by converting the gas pressure generated by fermentation into continuous fluid movement. The dynamics of gas production within the pump were analyzed experimentally to characterize performance over time. A mathematical four-parameter pump model was developed to predict pressure buildup and guide system configuration based on desired flow rates and operating durations. This model was further extended to a simplified two-parameter form—using only yeast mass and sucrose concentration—making pump setup more intuitive. This biologically driven pump concept holds potential for expansion into self-sustaining microfluidic devices, especially for space orbital experiment modules, educational tools, or low-resource settings where external power sources are limited.