Abstract
A multi-purpose microfluidic device that can be used for both micromixing and micropropulsion operations has always been in demand, as it would simplify the various process flows associated with the current micro-total analysis systems. In this aspect, we propose a biomimetic artificial cilia-based microfluidic device that can efficiently facilitate both mixing and propulsion sequentially at the micro-scale. A rectangular microfluidic device consists of four straight microchannels that were fabricated using the microfabrication technique. An array of artificial cilia was embedded within one of the channel’s confinement through the aforementioned technique. A series of image processing and micro-particle image velocimetry technologies were employed to elucidate the micromixing and micropropulsion phenomena. Experiment results demonstrate that, with this proposed microfluidic device, a maximum micromixing efficiency and flow rate of 0.84 and 0.089 µL/min, respectively, can be achieved. In addition to its primary application as a targeted drug delivery system, where a drug needs to be homogeneously mixed with its carrier prior to its administration into the target body, this microfluidic device can be used as a micro-total analysis system for the handling of other biological specimens.
Highlights
Microfluidics is the rapidly developing technology that deals with the control of fluid on micro-scaled platforms popularly known as microchannels
To perform multiple functions simultaneously, an integrated microfluidic system or device has been used that can be described as a network of microchannels such as micromixers, micropumps, and detection chambers [1,3]
Cilia can be broadly classified into two groups: motile and immotile cilia [6]
Summary
Microfluidics is the rapidly developing technology that deals with the control of fluid on micro-scaled platforms popularly known as microchannels. These artificial cilia can be actuated under the influence of external stimuli—such as electric, magnetic, resonance or even light stimuli—and exhibit their capabilities for generating flow and mixing within the microfluidic platforms [10].
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