High-current density DC magenetohydrodynamics micropump with bubble isolation and release system

Abstract

One of the major challenges for integrated Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) systems is the precise control of fluid flow in a micro-flow cell. Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) micropumps which contain no moving parts and capable of generating a continuous flow in any ionic fluid offer an ideal solution for biological applications. MHD micropumping has been demonstrated by using both AC and direct current (DC) currents by a number of researchers with varying degrees of success. However, current MHD designs based on DC do not meet the flow rate requirements for fully automated LOC applications (>100 μl/min). In this research, we introduce a novel DC-based MHD micropump which effectively increases flow rate by limiting the effects of electrolysis generated bubbles at the electrode–electrolyte interface through isolation and a mechanism for their release. Gas bubbles, particularly, hydrogen generated by high current density at the electrodes are the main culprit in low experimental flow rate compared with theoretical values. These tiny bubbles coalesce in the flow channel thus obstructing the flow of fluid. Since hydrolysis is inevitable with DC excitation, compartmentalized electrode channels with bubble isolating and coalescence retarding mechanisms and bubble release systems are implemented to prevent the coalescence of these bubbles and minimize their effects on flow rate. In this novel design called bubble isolation and release system, flow rate of up to 325 μl/min is achieved using 1 M NaCl solution in DC mode with potentials of 5 V and current density of about 5,000 A/m2 for a main channel of 800 μm × 800 μm cross-section and 6.4 mm length.