Showing papers in "Microfluidics and Nanofluidics in 2010"

Enhanced thermal conductivity of nanofluids: a state-of-the-art review

Abstract: Adding small particles into a fluid in cooling and heating processes is one of the methods to increase the rate of heat transfer by convection between the fluid and the surface. In the past decade, a new class of fluids called nanofluids, in which particles of size 1–100 nm with high thermal conductivity are suspended in a conventional heat transfer base fluid, have been developed. It has been shown that nanofluids containing a small amount of metallic or nonmetallic particles, such as Al2O3, CuO, Cu, SiO2, TiO2, have increased thermal conductivity compared with the thermal conductivity of the base fluid. In this work, effective thermal conductivity models of nanofluids are reviewed and comparisons between experimental findings and theoretical predictions are made. The results show that there exist significant discrepancies among the experimental data available and between the experimental findings and the theoretical model predictions.

Single-cell microfluidic impedance cytometry: a review

Abstract: Lab on chip technologies are being developed for multiplexed single cell assays. Impedance offers a simple non-invasive method for counting, identifying and monitoring cellular function. A number of different microfluidic devices for single cell impedance have been developed. These have potential applications ranging from simple cell counting and label-free identification of different cell types or detecting changes in cell morphology after invasion by parasites. Devices have also been developed that trap single cells and continuously record impedance data. This technology has applications in basic research, diagnostics or non-invasively probing cell function at the single-cell level. This review will describe the underlying principles of impedance analysis of particles. It then describes the state of the art in the field of microfluidic impedance flow cytometry. Finally future directions and challenges are discussed.

Particle focusing in microfluidic devices

Abstract: Focusing particles (both biological and synthetic) into a tight stream is usually a necessary step prior to counting, detecting, and sorting them. The various particle focusing approaches in microfluidic devices may be conveniently classified as sheath flow focusing and sheathless focusing. Sheath flow focusers use one or more sheath fluids to pinch the particle suspension and thus focus the suspended particles. Sheathless focusers typically rely on a force to manipulate particles laterally to their equilibrium positions. This force can be either externally applied or internally induced by channel topology. Therefore, the sheathless particle focusing methods may be further classified as active or passive by the nature of the forces involved. The aim of this article is to introduce and discuss the recent developments in both sheath flow and sheathless particle focusing approaches in microfluidic devices.

Cyclic olefin polymers : Emerging materials for lab-on-a-chip applications

Abstract: Cyclic olefin polymers (COPs) are increasingly popular as substrate material for microfluidics. This is due to their promising properties, such as high chemical resistance, low water absorption, good optical transparency in the near UV range and ease of fabrication. COPs are commercially available from a range of manufacturers under various brand names (Apel, Arton, Topas, Zeonex and Zeonor). Some of these (Apel and Topas) are made from more than one kind of monomer and therefore also known as cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs). In order to structure these materials, a wide array of fabrication methods is available. Laser ablation and micromilling are direct structuring methods suitable for fast prototyping, whilst injection moulding, hot embossing and nanoimprint lithography are replication methods more appropriate for low-cost production. Using these fabrication methods, a multitude of chemical analysis techniques have already been implemented. These include microchip electrophoresis (MCE), chromatography, solid phase extraction (SPE), isoelectric focusing (IEF) and mass spectrometry (MS). Still much additional work is needed to characterise and utilise the full potential of COP materials. This is especially true within optofluidics, where COPs are still rarely used, despite their excellent optical properties. This review presents a detailed description of the properties of COPs, the available fabrication methods and several selected applications described in the literature.

Power generation from concentration gradient by reverse electrodialysis in ion-selective nanochannels

Abstract: In an aqueous solution, the surface of inorganic nanochannels acquires charges from ionization, ion adsorption, and ion dissolution. These surface charges draw counter-ions toward the surface and repel co-ions. In the presence of a concentration gradient, counter-ions are transported through nanochannels much more easily than co-ions, which results in a net charge migration of one type of ions. The Gibbs free energy of mixing, which forces ion diffusion, thus can be converted into electrical energy by using inorganic ion-selective nanochannels. Silica nanochannels with heights of 4, 26, and 80 nm were used in this study. We experimentally investigated the power generation from these nanochannels placed between two potassium chloride solutions with various combinations of concentrations. The power generation per unit channel volume increases when the concentration gradient increases, and also increases as channel height decreases. The highest power density measured was 7.7 W/m2. Our data also indicate that the energy conversion efficiency and the ion selectivity increase with a decrease of concentrations and channel height. The best efficiency obtained was 31%. Power generation from concentration gradients in inorganic ion-selective nanochannels could be used in a variety of applications, including micro batteries and micro power generators.

Rapid prototyping of PMMA microfluidic chips utilizing a CO2 laser

Abstract: A commercially available CO2 laser scriber is used to perform the direct-writing ablation of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) substrates for microfluidic applications. The microfluidic designs are created using commercial layout software and are converted into the command signals required to drive the laser scriber in such a way as to reproduce the desired microchannel configuration on the surface of a PMMA substrate. The aspect ratio and surface quality of the ablated microchannels are examined using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy surface measurement techniques. The results show that a smooth channel wall can be obtained without the need for a post-machining annealing operation by performing the scribing process with the CO2 laser beam in an unfocused condition. The practicality of the proposed approach is demonstrated by fabricating two microfluidic chips, namely a cytometer, and an integrating microfluidic chip for methanol detection, respectively. The results confirm that the proposed unfocused ablation technique represents a viable solution for the rapid and economic fabrication of a wide variety of PMMA-based microfluidic chips.

Effect of geometry on droplet formation in the squeezing regime in a microfluidic T-junction

Abstract: In the surface tension-dominated microchannel T-junction, droplets can be formed as a result of the mixing of two dissimilar, immiscible fluids. This article presents results for very low Capillary numbers and different flow rates of the continuous and dispersed phases. Through three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann-based simulations, the mechanism of the formation of “plugs” in the squeezing regime has been examined and the size of the droplets quantified. Results for $$ Re_{\text{c}} \ll 1$$ show the dependence of flow rates of the two fluids on the length of the droplets formed, which is compared with existing experimental data. It is shown that the size of plugs formed decreases as the Capillary number increases in the squeezing regime. This article clearly shows that the geometry effect, i.e., the widths of the two channels and the depth of the assembly, plays an important role in the determination of the length of the plugs, a fact that was ignored in earlier experimental correlations.

Improved performance of deterministic lateral displacement arrays with triangular posts

Abstract: Deterministic lateral displacement arrays have shown great promise for size-based particle analysis and purification in medicine and biology. Here, we demonstrate that the use of an array of triangular rather than circular posts significantly enhances the performance of these devices by reducing clogging, lowering hydrostatic pressure requirements, and increasing the range of displacement characteristics. Experimental data and theoretical models are presented to create a compelling argument that future designs of deterministic lateral displacement arrays should employ triangular posts. The effect of practical considerations, such as vertex rounding, post size, and shape, is also discussed.

Molecular dynamics simulation of nanoscale liquid flows

Abstract: Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is a powerful tool to investigate the nanoscale fluid flow. In this article, we review the methods and the applications of MD simulation in liquid flows in nanochannels. For pressure-driven flows, we focus on the fundamental research and the rationality of the model hypotheses. For electrokinetic-driven flows and the thermal-driven flows, we concentrate on the principle of generating liquid motion. The slip boundary condition is one of the marked differences between the macro- and micro-scale flows and the nanoscale flows. In this article, we review the parameters controlling the degree of boundary slip and the new findings. MD simulation is based on the Newton's second law to simulate the particles' interactions and consists of several important processing methods, such as the thermal wall model, the cut-off radius, and the initial condition. Therefore, we also reviewed the recent improvement in these key methods to make the MD simulation more rational and efficient. Finally, we summarized the important discoveries in this research field and proposed some worthwhile future research directions.

Serial siphon valving for centrifugal microfluidic platforms

Abstract: Today, the focus in microfluidic platforms for diagnostics is on the integration of several analysis steps toward sample-to-answer systems. One of the main challenges to integration is the requirement for serial valving to allow the sequential release of fluids in a temporally and spatially controlled manner. The advantages offered by centrifugal microfluidic platforms make them excellent candidates for integration of biological analysis steps, yet they are limited by the lack of robust serial valving technologies. This is especially true for the majority of centrifugal microfluidic devices that rely on hydrophilic surfaces, where few passive serial valving techniques function reliably. Building on the useful functionality of centrifugal microfluidic siphoning previously shown, a novel serial siphon valve is introduced that relies on multiple, inline siphons to provide for a better controlled, sequential release of fluids. The introduction of this novel concept is followed by an analytical analysis of the device. Proof-of-concept is also demonstrated, and examples are provided to illustrate the range of functionality of the serial siphon valve. The serial siphon is shown to be robust and reproducible, with variability caused by the dependence on contact angle, rotation velocity, and fluidic properties (viz., surface tension) significantly reduced compared to current microfluidic, centrifugal serial valving technologies.

Hydrodynamic blood plasma separation in microfluidic channels

Abstract: The separation of red blood cells from plasma flowing in microchannels is possible by biophysical effects such as the Zweifach–Fung bifurcation law. In the present study, daughter channels are placed alongside a main channel such that cells and plasma are collected separately. The device is aimed to be a versatile but yet very simple module producing high-speed and high-efficiency plasma separation. The resulting lab-on-a-chip is manufactured using biocompatible materials. Purity efficiency is measured for mussel and human blood suspensions as different parameters, such as flow rate and geometries of the parent and daughter channels are varied. The issues of blood plasma separation at the microscale are discussed in relation to the different regimes of flow. Results are compared with those obtained by other researchers in the field of micro-separation of blood.

On-chip electro membrane extraction

Abstract: This paper presents the first downscaling of electro membrane extraction (EME) to a chip format. The voltage-controlled extraction for sample preparation on microfluidic devices has several advantages such as selective extraction removing the high ionic strength of biological samples, preconcentration, fast kinetics with exact control of the beginning, and termination of the extraction. The device comprises a 25 μm thick porous polypropylene membrane bonded in-between two polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) substrates with channel structures toward the membrane. The supported liquid membrane (SLM) was created by locally filling the pores of the membrane with 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE). The sample solution, containing five basic model analytes in 10 mM HCl or urine was pumped through the 50 μm deep donor channel on one side of the membrane. With 15 V applied across the membrane, the protonated basic drugs were selectively extracted from the flowing sample solution, into the organic phase SLM, and further into just 7 μl of 10 mM HCl, serving as acceptor solution. Subsequently, the acceptor solution was analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. The electro membrane chip was highly efficient and even with flow rates resulting in the sample being in contact with the SLM for less than 4 s (3 μl min−1), 20–60% of the amount of the respective drugs in the sample was extracted. The large span in recovery was dependent on the physical properties of the drug substances compared to the SLM, and the individual drug substances were extracted with a RSD in the recovery of less than 5%.

A novel passive micromixer: lamination in a planar channel system

Abstract: A novel passive micromixer concept is presented. The working principle is to make a controlled 90° rotation of a flow cross-section followed by a split into several channels; the flow in each of these channels is rotated a further 90° before a recombination doubles the interfacial area between the two fluids. This process is repeated until achieving the desired degree of mixing. The rotation of the flow field is obtained by patterning the channel bed with grooves. The effect of the mixers has been studied using computational fluid mechanics and prototypes have been micromilled in poly(methyl methacrylate). Confocal microscopy has been used to study the mixing. Several micromixers working on the principle of lamination have been reported in recent years. However, they require three-dimensional channel designs which can be complicated to manufacture. The main advantage with the present design is that it is relatively easy to produce using standard microfabrication techniques while at the same time obtaining good lamination between two fluids.

A novel experimental setup for gas microflows

Abstract: A new experimental setup for flow rate measurement of gases through microsystems is presented. Its principle is based on two complementary techniques, called droplet tracking method and constant-volume method. Experimental data on helium and argon isothermal flows through rectangular microchannels are presented and compared with computational results based on a continuum model with second-order boundary conditions and on the linearized kinetic BGK equation. A very good agreement is found between theory and experiment for both gases, assuming purely diffuse accommodation at the walls. Also, some experimental data for a binary mixture of monatomic gases are presented and compared with kinetic theory based on the McCormack model.

Flow past superhydrophobic surfaces containing longitudinal grooves: effects of interface curvature

Abstract: This article considers Couette and Poiseuille flows past superhydrophobic surfaces containing alternating micro-grooves and ribs aligned longitudinally to the flow. The effects of interface curvature on the effective slip length are quantified for different shear-free fractions and groove–rib spatial periods normalized using the channel height. The numerical results obtained demonstrate the importance of considering interface curvature effects in ascertaining the effective slip length. The effective slip length and performance of longitudinal grooves are compared with those corresponding to transverse grooves, for which analytical results are available for small shear-free fractions and normalized groove–rib periodic spacing. For the same shear-free fraction and interface protrusion angle, the effective slip length corresponding to the Poiseuille flow is found to be strongly affected by the normalized groove–rib spacing, in contrast to the Couette flow. For the Poiseuille flow, when the interface deforms by large protrusion angles into the liquid phase, the effective slip length approaches zero or becomes negative for large values of shear-free fraction and normalized groove–rib spacing due to significant flow blockage effects.

A review of the development of hybrid atomistic–continuum methods for dense fluids

Abstract: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in simulating dynamical phenomena of multiscale systems This was brought about in large part by the ever growing field of nanotechnology, in which nanodevices are often part of larger systems Molecular Dynamics (MD) provides a valuable tool for modeling systems at the nanoscale However, the atomistic modeling of macroscopic problems is still beyond the reach of current MD simulations due to their prohibitive computational requirements The development of hybrid techniques that combine continuum and atomistic descriptions can alleviate such limitations This can be accomplished by limiting the use of MD to regions where the atomistic scales need to be resolved, while using a continuum-based solver for the remainder of the domain The computational savings of such a formulation will strongly depend on the relative size of the MD region to that of the continuum, and the extent of the overlap where information is exchanged between the two subdomains Such methods are crucial for the proficient advancement and better understanding of nanodevices interacting with microscale systems In this article, an account of the development of hybrid atomistic–continuum (HAC) models for dense flows is presented The focus is on domain-decomposition-based HAC models Here, the domain is divided into a relatively small region where atomistic details are important, and a larger region where the continuum description of the fluid is applicable Of primary concern is how to accurately couple the atomistic and continuum domains, a challenge that manifests itself in the imposition of boundary conditions in an internally consistent manner Two main approaches: state variable (Dirichlet), and flux-exchange schemes are analyzed and compared A review of some applications utilizing such HAC models is also provided

Real-Time Monitoring of Wear Debris in Lubrication Oil Using a Microfluidic Inductive Coulter Counting Device

Abstract: A microfluidic device based on an inductive Coulter counting principle to detect metal wear particles in lubrication oil is presented. The device detects the passage of ferrous and nonferrous particles by monitoring the inductance change of an embedded coil. The device was tested using iron and copper particles ranging in size from 50 to 125 μm. The testing results have demonstrated that the device is capable of detecting and distinguishing ferrous and nonferrous metal particles in lubrication oil; such particles can be indicative of potential machine faults in rotating and reciprocating machinery.

Pressure drop of gas–liquid Taylor flow in round micro-capillaries for low to intermediate Reynolds numbers

Abstract: In this paper, a model is presented that describes the pressure drop of gas–liquid Taylor flow in round capillaries with a channel diameter typically less than 1 mm. The analysis of Bretherton (J Fluid Mech 10:166–188, 1961) for the pressure drop over a single gas bubble for vanishing liquid film thickness is extended to include a non-negligible liquid film thickness using the analysis of Aussillous and Quere (Phys Fluids 12(10):2367–2371, 2000). This result is combined with the Hagen–Poiseuille equation for liquid flow using a mass balance-based Taylor flow model previously developed by the authors (Warnier et al. in Chem Eng J 135S:S153–S158, 2007). The model presented in this paper includes the effect of the liquid slug length on the pressure drop similar to the model of Kreutzer et al. (AIChE J 51(9):2428–2440, 2005). Additionally, the gas bubble velocity is taken into account, thereby increasing the accuracy of the pressure drop predictions compared to those of the model of Kreutzer et al. Experimental data were obtained for nitrogen–water Taylor flow in a round glass channel with an inner diameter of 250 μm. The capillary number Ca gl varied between 2.3 × 10−3 and 8.8 × 10−3 and the Reynolds number Re gl varied between 41 and 159. The presented model describes the experimental results with an accuracy of ±4% of the measured values.

Effect of viscosities of dispersed and continuous phases in microchannel oil-in-water emulsification

Abstract: Although many aspects of microchannel emulsification have been covered in literature, one major uncharted area is the effect of viscosity of both phases on droplet size in the stable droplet generation regime It is expected that for droplet formation to take place, the inflow of the continuous phase should be sufficiently fast compared to the outflow of the liquid that is forming the droplet The ratio of the viscosities was therefore varied by using a range of continuous and dispersed phases, both experimentally and computationally At high viscosity ratio (ηd/ηc), the droplet size is constant; the inflow of the continuous phase is fast compared to the outflow of the dispersed phase At lower ratios, the droplet diameter increases, until a viscosity ratio is reached at which droplet formation is no longer possible (the minimal ratio) This was confirmed and elucidated through CFD simulations The limiting value is shown to be a function of the microchannel design, and this should be adapted to the viscosity of the two fluids that need to be emulsified

Advances and applications on microfluidic velocimetry techniques

Abstract: The development and analysis of the performance of microfluidic components for lab-on-a-chip devices are becoming increasingly important because microfluidic applications are continuing to expand in the fields of biology, nanotechnology, and manufacturing. Therefore, the characterization of fluid behavior at the scales of micro- and nanometer levels is essential. A variety of microfluidic velocimetry techniques like micron-resolution Particle Image Velocimetry (μPIV), particle-tracking velocimetry (PTV), and others have been developed to characterize such microfluidic systems with spatial resolutions on the order of micrometers or less. This article discusses the fundamentals of established velocimetry techniques as well as the technical applications found in literature.

Single cell trapping in larger microwells capable of supporting cell spreading and proliferation

Abstract: Conventional cell trapping methods using microwells with small dimensions (10–20 μm) are useful for examining the instantaneous cell response to reagents; however, such wells have insufficient space for longer duration screening tests that require observation of cell attachment and division. Here we describe a flow method that enables single cell trapping in microwells with dimensions of 50 μm, a size sufficient to allow attachment and division of captured cells. Among various geometries tested, triangular microwells were found to be most efficient for single cell trapping while providing ample space for cells to grow and spread. An important trapping mechanism is the formation of fluid streamlines inside, rather than over, the microwells. A strong flow recirculation occurs in the triangular microwell so that it efficiently catches cells. Once a cell is captured, the cell presence in the microwell changes the flow pattern, thereby preventing trapping of other cells. About 62% of microwells were filled with single cells after a 20 min loading procedure. Human prostate cancer cells (PC3) were used for validation of our system.

Pneumatic pumping in centrifugal microfluidic platforms

Abstract: Centrifugal microfluidics has emerged as a unique approach to the development of integrated total analysis systems for medical diagnostics. However, despite its many advantages, the platform has a size limitation due to the centripetal pumping mechanism in which fluids can only be moved from the center of the disc to the rim. This limits the footprint of the microfluidic network to one radius of the disc, and this in turn limits the amount of space available to embed complex assays. In order to overcome this space limitation problem, we are developing new techniques to pump fluids back toward the center of the disc as to allow greater path lengths for the fluidic network. This study presents a novel pumping mechanism for centrifugal microfluidics utilizing a combination of centrifugation and pneumatic compression. Pneumatic energy is stored during high-speed centrifugation with sample fluids trapping then compressing air in specially designed chambers. The accumulated pneumatic energy is released by spinning down, which expands the trapped air and thus pumps liquids back toward the center of the CD. This newly developed method overcomes current limitations of centripetal pumping avoiding external manipulation or surface treatments. In this article, we explore the design of appropriate chambers to induce pneumatic pumping and analytically describe the mechanics behind the pumping action. For proof of principle, we have applied pneumatic pumping to siphon priming.

Continuous differential impedance spectroscopy of single cells

Abstract: A device for continuous differential impedance analysis of single cells held by a hydrodynamic cell trapping is presented. Measurements are accomplished by recording the current from two closely-situated electrode pairs, one empty (reference) and one containing a cell. We demonstrate time-dependent measurement of single cell impedance produced in response to dynamic chemical perturbations. First, the system is used to assay the response of HeLa cells to the effects of the surfactant Tween, which reduces the impedance of the trapped cells in a concentration dependent way and is interpreted as gradual lysis of the cell membrane. Second, the effects of the bacterial pore-forming toxin, Streptolysin-O are measured: a transient exponential decay in the impedance is recorded as the cell membrane becomes increasingly permeable. The decay time constant is inversely proportional to toxin concentration (482, 150, and 30 s for 0.1, 1, and 10 kU/ml, respectively).

Continuous separation of non-magnetic particles inside ferrofluids

Abstract: We present a novel and label-free continuous flow non-magnetic microparticle separation scheme in a microfluidic device under static magnetic fields. The separation process is conducted inside water-based ferrofluids. We exploit the difference in particle sizes to achieve binary separation of microparticles with high throughput. We demonstrate size-based separation (1 and 9.9 μm, 1.9 and 9.9 μm, 3.1 and 9.9 μm) of microparticles with a minimum of 105 particles/h throughput and close to 100% separation efficiency.

Rarefaction effects on gas viscosity in the Knudsen transition regime

Abstract: The effects of rarefaction on gas viscosity are investigated through the simulation of isothermal, low speed flow in a long straight channel using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. Following convergence to the flow field inside the channel, the effective viscosity is calculated directly from its definition using shear stress calculations in each individual cell assuming that the gas flow is close to a local equilibrium state. Averaging over the cross-sectional area at different positions down the pressure gradient allows the determination of the gas viscosity as a function of the local Knudsen number (Kn) along the channel. Following an extensive investigation of this dependence over a wide range of Kn values, it was conveniently found that a Bosanquet-type of approximation describes very satisfactorily the Knudsen number dependence of the viscosity over the entire transition regime, i.e., from the slip-flow to the free-molecular flow limit. Such a simple functional dependence is expected to facilitate significantly phenomenological descriptions and numerical computations of rarefied flows that rely on the notion of an effective viscosity in the transition regime.

Structural and microfluidic analysis of hollow side-open polymeric microneedles for transdermal drug delivery applications

Abstract: In this paper, we present a new design of hollow, out-of-plane polymeric microneedle with cylindrical side-open holes for transdermal drug delivery (TDD) applications. A detailed literature review of existing designs and analysis work on microneedles is first presented to provide a comprehensive reference for researchers working on design and development of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS)-based microneedles and a source for those outside the field who wish to select the best available microneedle design for a specific drug delivery or biomedical application. Then, the performance of the proposed new design of microneedles is numerically characterized in terms of microneedle strength and flow rate at applied inlet pressures. All the previous designs of hollow microneedles have side-open holes in the lumen section with no integrated reservoir on the same chip. We have proposed a new design with side-open holes in the conical section to ensure drug delivery on skin insertion. Furthermore, the present design has an integrated drug reservoir on the back side of the microneedles. Since MEMS-based, hollow, side-open polymeric microneedles with integrated reservoir is a new research area, there is a notable lack of applicable mathematical models to analytically predict structural and fluid flow under various boundary conditions. That is why, finite element (FE) and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis using ANSYS rather than analytical systems has been used to facilitate design optimization before fabrication. The analysis has involved simulation of structural and CFD analysis on three-dimensional model of microneedle array. The effect of axial and transverse loading on the microneedle during skin insertion is investigated in the stress analysis. The analysis predicts that the resultant stresses due to applied bending and axial loads are in the safe range below the yield strength of the material for the proposed design of the microneedles. In CFD analysis, fluid flow rate and pressure drop in the microneedles at applied inlet pressures are numerically and theoretically investigated. The CFD analysis predicts uniform flow through the microneedle array for each microneedle. Theoretical and numerical results for the flow rate and pressure drop are in close agreement with each other, thereby validating the CFD analysis. For the proposed design of microneedles, feasible fabrication techniques such as micro-hot embossing and ultraviolet excimer laser methods are proposed. The results of the present theoretical study provide valuable benchmark and prediction data to fabricate optimized designs of the polymeric, hollow microneedles, which can be successfully integrated with other microfluidic devices for TDD applications.

A microfluidic cross-flowing emulsion generator for producing biphasic droplets and anisotropically shaped polymer particles

Abstract: We present a microfluidic cross-flowing system for producing biphasic emulsion droplets and non-spherical polymer microparticles. Microfluidic channels on a glass chip comprise a Y-shaped channel so as to form a two-phase organic stream of photocurable and non-curable phases, and a T-junction to generate phase-separated droplets in a cross-flowing aqueous stream. The biphasic droplets at equilibrium formed a Janus configuration (partial engulfing) or a core–shell configuration (complete engulfing) consistent with minimizing the interfacial free energies among the three liquid phases, according to the three spreading coefficients. When silicone oil was used as the non-curable phase, monodisperse Janus droplets were generated reproducibly in a one-step process; for e.g., the mean particle size was 119 μm with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 1.9%. Subsequent UV-initiated polymerization yielded monodisperse particles with controlled convex/concave structures, which were tunable through variation of the ratio of the flow rates between the two organic phases. In contrast, when perfluorocarbon fluid, which is more hydrophobic than silicone oil, was used as the non-curable phase, monodisperse core–shell droplets were generated in a two-step regime, leading to the synthesis of cross-linked polymeric shells with a pore on their surfaces. We also investigated how the asymmetric flow configuration influenced droplet formation at the T-junction.

Milliseconds microfluidic chaotic bubble mixer

Abstract: In this study, we report a rapid microfluidic mixing device based on chaotic advection induced by microbubble–fluid interactions. The device includes inlets for to-be-mixed fluids and nitrogen gas. A side-by-side laminar flow segmented by monodisperse microbubbles is generated when the fluids and the nitrogen are co-injected through a flow focusing micro-orifice. The flow subsequently enters a series of hexagonal expansion chambers, in which the hydrodynamic interaction among the microbubbles results in the stretch and fold of segmented fluid volumes and rapid mixing and homogenization. We characterize the performance of the microfluidic mixer and demonstrate rapid mixing within 20 ms. We further show that bubbles can be conveniently removed from the mixed fluids using a microfluidic comb structure on completion of the mixing.

A rapid and simple fabrication method for 3-dimensional circular microfluidic channel using metal wire removal process

Abstract: In this article, we introduce a rapid and simple fabrication method to realize a 3-dimensional (3-D) microfluidic channel with a near-perfect circular cross section. This new concept of fabrication method is defined by metal wire removal process, where the metal wire such as a thin soldering wire for the 3-D circular shape is commercially available. For the microfluidic channel mold, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) was poured on several shapes such as 3-D circular, helix, and double helix shapes, of soldering wire and solidified. The soldering wire was then melted out by heating. With the two-step process, rapidly and simply fabricated 3-D circular microfluidic channels can be obtained. CPAE (endothelial cell line) cells were cultured inside the channel to evaluate the biocompatibility of the fabricated microfluidic channel. Our method will be very useful in making various circular shapes of 3-D microfluidic devices that need multi-depth and round corners inside the channel.

Particle concentration via acoustically driven microcentrifugation: microPIV flow visualization and numerical modelling studies

Abstract: Through confocal-like microparticle image velocimetry experiments, we reconstruct, for the first time, the three-dimensional flow field structure of the azimuthal fluid recirculation in a sessile drop induced by asymmetric surface acoustic wave radiation, which, in previous two-dimensional planar studies, has been shown to be a powerful mechanism for driving inertial microcentrifugation for micromixing and particle concentration. Supported through finite element simulations, these insights into the three-dimensional flow field provide valuable information on the mechanisms by which particles suspended in the flow collect in a stack at a central position on the substrate at the bottom of the drop once they are convected by the fluid to the bottom region via a helical spiral-like trajectory around the drop periphery. Once close to the substrate, the inward radial velocity then forces the particles into this central stagnation point where they are trapped by sedimentary forces, provided the convective force is insufficient to redisperse them along with the fluid up a central column and into the bulk of the drop.