The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering awarded a 3-year, $205,291 Project Grant (CFDA 93.286 - Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health) to Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech) to develop and characterize a featherweight, pulse-driven micropump for continuous transdermal drug delivery. The key objectives are to: 1) Determine the dependence of the micropump flow rate on design parameters and arterial pulse characteristics through in vitro and in vivo testing, 2) Develop a 3D finite element model of the prototype micropump, and 3) Use an evolutionary algorithm and skin permeation testing to optimize a set of wearable infusion patch designs integrated with microneedle arrays. Upon completion, the project aims to produce a compact, pulse-driven infusion pump capable of a wide range of infusion rates that can be integrated into low-cost, disposable infusion devices or advanced closed-loop/implantable systems, improving adherence and quality of life for patients requiring continuous drug delivery.