A microfluidic manipulation platform based on droplet mixing technology

Abstract

A microfluidic manipulation platform, utilizing droplet mixing technology in conjunction with piezoelectric actuation, has been constructed. This integration facilitates the realization of efficient and controllable mixing within micro-mixing chips. It boasts rapid droplet generation capabilities and enables precise control over droplet movement and internal mixing dynamics by modulating the operational parameters of the piezo pump. The pump itself offers a broad spectrum of output flow rates and pressures, ensuring ample power for the micro-mixing chip’s dispersed phase input. The platform’s actuation method combines active pressure and acoustic actuation. The efficacy of the platform is substantiated through numerical simulations and experimental validation. Furthermore, an optimization strategy employing support vector regression coupled with a particle swarm algorithm has been introduced for the micro-mixing chip. This method accurately forecasts data trends with minimal error margins. Notably, the micro-mixing chip’s mixing efficiency significantly increases, particularly at lower Reynolds numbers. Experimental findings indicate that the platform’s droplet mixing efficiency exceeds 95 %, rendering it a potent lab-on-a-chip solution for applications in bio-medicine, fine chemistry, and other fields.