Experimental study on acoustic-induced microbubbles fusion

Abstract

Droplets/microbubbles fusion technology is a key technology for many biochemical medical applications. Here, an acoustic-controlled approach to drive microbubble fusion based on focused surface acoustic wave (FSAW) is presented. When passing through the arc-shaped channel, adjacent microbubbles will decelerate, contact, and fuse induced by the FSAWs. Due to the cooperation of the FSAW and the arc-shaped flow channel structure, the microbubbles are more easily captured and fused with the adjacent microbubbles. The effects of input voltage and pressure input parameters on the microbubble fusion are studied. Relying on electrical input parameters, microbubble fusion can be effectively achieved, providing a new idea for precise gas fuse control. The regulation of the microbubbles fusion by FSAW is revealed, showing potential in the applications of the precise control of gases on a microfluidic chip.