Optimization of AC Electrokinetic Mixing by Nanocomposite Monolayer

Abstract

The mixing of fluids using AC Electrokinetic is presented in this paper. Both AC electrothermal (ACET) and AC electroosmosis (ACEO) techniques are investigated for mixing operation. AC electrokinetic mixing utilizes the characteristics of short diffusion distance and large specific interface area, and the characteristics of laminar flow and multiphase flow in a microchannel. The proposed mixer will have advantages of easy implementation and compatibility with microchip fabrication. Furthermore low and high conductive fluid has been experimented for mixing operation. In this research, the ACET and ACEO mixing will be optimized by surface modification using a biocompatible hydrophobic nanocomposite monolayer. This coating will modify the mixer surface to a hydrophobic surface and improve the friction losses at the interface, and eventually increase the mixing rate. Both ACEO and ACET flow is a promising technique in microfluidic mixing toward laboratory automation applications, such as clinical diagnostics and high-throughput drug screening. But the mixing efficiency and type of AC electrokinetic usage depends on the conductivity range of the fluids. These mixers can be integrated with the lab-on-a-chip and can provide inexpensive disposable devices.