Design, Simulation and Testing of Shape Memory Alloy Actuator for Mixing Two Solutions in High-Pressure Optical Cell for Biophysical Studies

Abstract

Window-type high-pressure optical cells (HPOC) such as the one designed by Paladini and Weber [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 52, (1981) p. 419] have provided biophysicists a powerful tool to understand the structure-function relationships of biological molecules. However, the conventional HPOC is only good for single solution testing and does not allow for quick mixing and stirring of additional components while the sample is under pressure. To mix two solutions under pressure, Zhou et al [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 69, (1998) p. 3958] developed a laser activated dual chamber HPOC. However, the expensive laser device and its unavailability in most laboratories make the application difficult. In a later study, Zhou et al. [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 71, (2000) p. 4249] introduced shape memory alloy (SMA) as an actuator to unplug a urethane stopper with a biasing spring for agitation. The drawback is that the biasing spring blocks the observing light beam and creates unwanted reflections. This research is to construct an actuator with concentric SMA spring and compressive biasing spring: an SMA helical tensile spring to pull out the stopper to let two solutions mix; and a helical compressive spring to bias and to agitate solutions, and to leave the lower half cuvette clear for optical observation. Due to the limited space in the cuvette, the alignment of two springs is critical for both motion and heat response to activate each spring separately. This paper discusses the design of SMA actuator, SMA spring testing and mixing testing by the SMA spring actuator. Since SMA (nickel-titanium) spring is not solderable and crimping method is limited due to the space, a conductive adhesive is used not only to fix the alignment between springs and cap, but also to conduct electric current. Spring force testing was done by INSTRON. Mixing testing used flourescein intensity change to trace the mixing process. The bio-compatibility of the nickel-titanium SMA with proteins and phospholipids has also been tested.