Fluids In Microfluidic Devices Research Articles

Harvesting and manipulating sweat and interstitial fluid in microfluidic devices.

Microfluidic devices began to be used to facilitate sweat and interstitial fluid (ISF) sensing in the mid-2010s. Since then, numerous prototypes involving microfluidics have been developed in different form factors for sensing biomarkers found in these fluids under in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo (on-body) settings. These devices transport and manipulate biofluids using microfluidic channels composed of silicone, polymer, paper, or fiber. Fluid flow transport and sample management can be achieved by controlling the flow rate, surface morphology of the channel, and rate of fluid evaporation. Although many devices have been developed for estimating sweat rate, electrolyte, and metabolite levels, only a handful have been able to proceed beyond laboratory testing and reach the stage of clinical trials and commercialization. To further this technology, this review reports on the utilization of microfluidics towards sweat and ISF management and transport. The review is distinguished from other recent reviews by focusing on microfluidic principles of sweat and ISF generation, transport, extraction, and management. Challenges and prospects are highlighted, with a discussion on how to transition such prototypes towards personalized healthcare monitoring systems.

Analysis and optimization of heterogeneously charged surface features in electrokinetic micromixing of non-Newtonian fluids

This study investigates the mixing of non-Newtonian fluids in microfluidic devices using electrokinetic phenomena Micromixing is a crucial operation that finds multiple applications in chemical research and biomedical diagnostics. In order to improve mixing, multiple combinations of heterogeneously charged triangular elements are considered for investigation. The power-law model was used to characterize the non-Newtonian behavior of fluids. The effect of different geometrical parameters (hurdle length, height, number, and shape) and electrical parameters (applied external electric field and zeta potential on hurdles) on mixing are evaluated. The results indicate that the element shape, number, and fluid viscosity significantly affect mixing in microchannels. Moreover, the homogeneity of the mixed fluids increases with the flow behavior index (n). We found that dilatant fluids mix relatively better than pseudoplastic fluids. Finally, the Taguchi technique used to evaluate the combined effect of all factors and obtained optimal mixing conditions for various flow behavior indices (n) of non-Newtonian fluids.

Computational fluid dynamics simulation of two-phase flow patterns in a serpentine microfluidic device

In the current research work, the flow behavior of a liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) process in a serpentine microchannel was analyzed. The simulation was performed using a 3D model and the results were found to be consistent with experimental data. The impact of the flow of chloroform and water on the flow model was also examined. The data indicate that once the aqua and organic phases flow rates are low and similar, a slug flow pattern is observed. However, as the overall flow rate raises, the slug flow transforms into parallel plug flow or droplet flow. An increment in the aqua flows while maintaining a constant organic phase flow rate results in a transition from slug flow to either droplet flow or plug flow. Finally, the patterns of flow rate in the serpentine micro-channel were characterized and depicted. The results of this study will provide valuable insights into the behavior of two-phase flow patterns in serpentine microfluidic devices. This information can be used to optimize the design of microfluidic devices for various applications. Furthermore, the study will demonstrate the applicability of CFD simulation in investigating the behavior of fluids in microfluidic devices, which can be a cost-effective and efficient alternative to experimental studies.

Reversibly Photoswitchable High‐Aspect Ratio Surfaces

Herein, the fabrication of light‐sensitive high‐aspect ratio surfaces with switchable topography using melt‐electrowriting of shape‐memory polymers and deposition of light‐to‐heat converting black ink on it by dip coating is reported on. The lamellae exposed to low temperatures are hard and cannot be deformed by water droplets. The temperature reached upon illumination of surfaces is close to the melting point of the soft segment of the polyurethane that leads to softening of the polymer. Due to this, it is possible to locally deform and recover the light‐softened surface structures by water droplets deposited on lamellae. The deformed state can be fixed by cooling down resulting in the crystallization of the polymer. Thus, the reversibility of local deformation can be achieved. Finally, the application of the developed approach and materials for the fabrication of smart light‐controlled valves is demonstrated, which can be used for the controlled mixing of fluids in microfluidic devices.

A systematic overview of electrode configuration in electric-driven micropumps.

Accurate manipulation of fluids in microfluidic devices is an important factor affecting their functions. Since the emergence of microfluidic technology to transport fluids in microchannels, the electric field has been utilized as an effective dynamic pumping mechanism. This review attempts to provide a fundamental insight of the various electric-driven flows in microchannels and their working mechanisms as micropumps for microfluidic devices. Different electrokinetic mechanisms implemented in electrohydrodynamic-, electroosmosis-, electrothermal, and dielectrophoresis-based micropumps are discussed. A detailed description of different mechanisms is presented to provide a comprehensive overview on the key parameters used in electric micropumps. Furthermore, electrode configurations and their shapes in different micropumps are explored and categorized to provide conclusive information for the selection of efficient, simple, and affordable strategies to transport fluids in microfluidic devices. In this paper, recent theoretical, numerical and experimental investigations are covered to provide a better insight both on the operational mechanisms and strategies for lab-on-chip applications.

Flow focusing with miscible fluids in microfluidic devices

In this work, a series of experiments and numerical simulations performed using a volume-of-fluid approach were carried out to investigate the flow of miscible viscous fluid systems through microfluidic flow focusing devices with one central inlet stream (with “fluid 1”) and two lateral inlet streams (with “fluid 2”). The combined effect of the fluid viscosity ratio and the inlet velocity ratio on the characteristics of the central focused outlet stream was assessed in microfluidic channels with different aspect ratios. An analytical expression for the two-dimensional case, relating the width of the central focused stream in the outlet channel with the velocity ratio and the viscosity ratio, was also derived from first principles. The analytical results are in excellent agreement with the two-dimensional numerical results, and the expression is also able to represent well the experimental findings for the configuration with an aspect ratio of 0.84. The width of the central focused outlet stream at the center plane is seen to decrease with both the velocity ratio and the viscosity ratio. The results of the three-dimensional numerical simulations and experimental measurements are in good agreement, producing further insight into the curved interface known to exist when high viscosity contrasts are present in parallel flow systems. It was observed that the interface curvature across the depth of the channel cross section is strongly dependent on the ratio of inlet viscosities and microchannel aspect ratio, highlighting the three-dimensional nature of the flow, in which confinement plays a significant role.

Microfluidic actuators based on temperature-responsive hydrogels

The concept of using stimuli-responsive hydrogels to actuate fluids in microfluidic devices is particularly attractive, but limitations, in terms of spatial resolution, speed, reliability and integration, have hindered its development during the past two decades. By patterning and grafting poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) PNIPAM hydrogel films on plane substrates with a 2 μm horizontal resolution and closing the system afterward, we have succeeded in unblocking bottlenecks that thermo-sensitive hydrogel technology has been challenged with until now. In this paper, we demonstrate, for the first time with this technology, devices with up to 7800 actuated micro-cages that sequester and release solutes, along with valves actuated individually with closing and opening switching times of 0.6±0.1 and 0.25±0.15 s, respectively. Two applications of this technology are illustrated in the domain of single cell handling and the nuclear acid amplification test (NAAT) for the Human Synaptojanin 1 gene, which is suspected to be involved in several neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. The performance of the temperature-responsive hydrogels we demonstrate here suggests that in association with their moderate costs, hydrogels may represent an alternative to the actuation or handling techniques currently used in microfluidics, that are, pressure actuated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) valves and droplets.

Morphology-Patterned Anisotropic Wetting Surface for Fluid Control and Gas-Liquid Separation in Microfluidics.

This article shows morphology-patterned stripes as a new platform for directing flow guidance of the fluid in microfluidic devices. Anisotropic (even unidirectional) spreading behavior due to anisotropic wetting of the underlying surface is observed after integrating morphology-patterned stripes with a Y-shaped microchannel. The anisotropic wetting flow of the fluid is influenced by the applied pressure, dimensions of the patterns, including the period and depth of the structure, and size of the channels. Fluids with different surface tensions show different flowing anisotropy in our microdevice. Moreover, the morphology-patterned surfaces could be used as a microvalve, and gas-water separation in the microchannel was realized using the unidirectional flow of water. Therefore, benefiting from their good performance and simple fabrication process, morphology-patterned surfaces are good candidates to be applied in controlling the fluid behavior in microfluidics.

A continuous roll-pulling approach for the fabrication of magnetic artificial cilia with microfluidic pumping capability.

Magnetic artificial cilia are micro-hairs covering a surface that can be actuated using a time-dependent magnetic field to pump or mix fluids in microfluidic devices. This paper presents a novel fabrication method to realize magnetic artificial cilia using a roll-pulling process, in which a cylinder decorated with micro-pillars rolls over a liquid precursor film that contains magnetic particles at a speed up to 1 m s(-1), while a magnetic field is applied. Due to the interaction between the pillars and the liquid film, micro-hairs are pulled out of the film. In this way, surfaces with slender cone-shaped magnetic artificial cilia were produced. When integrated in a closed-loop channel, the artificial cilia were shown to be capable of generating substantial microfluidic pumping using external magnetic actuation. The spatial arrangement of the cilia can be varied by altering the layout of the micro-pillars on the roll surface. In addition, the final geometry of the individual cilia depends on the rheological properties of the precursor material in combination with the processing parameters of the roll-pulling process. A rheological study and fabrication tests were carried out for a range of precursor material compositions to obtain insight into the relation between precursor rheology and processing conditions on the one hand, and cilia geometry on the other hand. The development of this cleanroom-free, high speed and potentially large area method of production of artificial cilia is another step towards their implementation in real-life applications.

Gravity-induced swirl of nanoparticles in microfluidics

Parallel flows of two fluids in microfluidic devices are used for miniaturized chemistry, physics, biology and bioengineering studies, and the streams are often considered to remain parallel. However, as the two fluids do not always have the same density, interface reorientation induced by density stratification is unavoidable. In this paper, flow characteristics of an aqueous polystyrene nanofluid and a sucrose-densified aqueous solution flowing parallel in microchannels are examined. Nanoparticles 100 nm in diameter are used in the study. The motion of the nanoparticles is simulated using the Lagrangian description and directly observed by a confocal microscope. Matched results are obtained from computational and empirical analysis. Although solution density homogenizes rapidly resulting from a fast diffusion of sucrose in water, the nanofluid is observed to rotate for an extended period. Angular displacement of the nanofluid depends on the ratio of gravitational force to viscous force, Re/Fr2, where Re is the Reynolds number and Fr is the Froude number. In the developing region at the steady state, the angular displacement is related to y/Dh, the ratio between distance from the inlet and the hydraulic diameter of the microfluidic channel. The development of nanofluid flow feature also depends on h/w, the ratio of microfluidic channel's height to width. The quantitative description of the angular displacement of nanofluid will aid rational designs of microfluidic devices utilizing multistream, multiphase flows.

Fluid control in microfluidic devices using a fluid conveyance extension and an absorbent microfluidic flow modulator

This article presents a simple method for controlling fluid in microfluidic devices without the need for valves or pumps. A fluid conveyance extension is fluidly coupled to the enclosed outlet chamber of a microfluidic device. After a fluid is introduced into the microfluidic device and saturates the fluid conveyance extension, a fluid flow in the microfluidic device is generated by contacting an absorbent microfluidic flow modulator with the fluid conveyance extension to absorb the fluid from the fluid conveyance extension through capillary action. Since the fluid in the microfluidic device is fluidly coupled with the fluid conveyance extension and the fluid conveyance extension is fluidly coupled with the absorbent microfluidic flow modulator, the absorption rate of the absorbent microfluidic flow modulator, which is the rate at which the absorbent microfluidic flow modulator absorbs fluid, matches the fluid flow rate in the microfluidic device. Thus, the fluid flow rate in the microfluidic device is set by the absorption rate of the absorbent microfluidic flow modulator. Sheath flow and fluid switching applications are demonstrated using this simple fluid control method without the need for valves or pumps. Also, the ability to control the fluid flow rate in the microfluidic device is demonstrated using absorbent microfluidic flow modulators with various absorbent characteristics and dimensions.

Microfluidic chaotic stirrer utilizing induced-charge electro-osmosis

Recently, there has been a growing interest in using induced electro-osmosis to pump fluids in microfluidic devices. We show that induced electroosmosis can also be used to promote stirring and chaotic advection. To this end, we study theoretically a stirrer in which the flow patterns are alternated in time. We first analyze an idealized embodiment of the stirrer that admits a simple analytical solution for the flow patterns. The stirrer consists of a concentric annulus whose outer surface is defined by an array of electrodes that provide a spatially varying potential distribution. The resulting electric field induces quadruple electro-osmotic flow around the inner cylinder. By timewise alternating the potential distribution around the outer cylinder, we induce chaotic advection in the cavity. Subsequently, we carry out numerical simulations for a more realistic design that can be readily constructed, and demonstrate that it is possible to induce chaotic advection also in this case.

Digital microfluidics using soft lithography

Although microfluidic chips have demonstrated basic functionality for single applications, performing varied and complex experiments on a single device is still technically challenging. While many groups have implemented control software to drive the pumps, valves, and electrodes used to manipulate fluids in microfluidic devices, a new level of programmability is needed for end users to orchestrate their own unique experiments on a given device. This paper presents an approach for programmable and scalable control of discrete fluid samples in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic system using multiphase flows. An immiscible fluid phase is utilized to separate aqueous samples from one another, and a novel "microfluidic latch" is used to precisely align a sample after it has been transported a long distance through the flow channels. To demonstrate the scalability of the approach, this paper introduces a "general-purpose" microfluidic chip containing a rotary mixer and addressable storage cells. The system is general purpose in that all operations on the chip operate in terms of unit-sized aqueous samples; using the underlying mechanisms for sample transport and storage, additional sensors and actuators can be integrated in a scalable manner. A novel high-level software library allows users to specify experiments in terms of variables (i.e., fluids) and operations (i.e., mixes) without the need for detailed knowledge about the underlying device architecture. This research represents a first step to provide a programmable interface to the microfluidic realm, with the aim of enabling a new level of scalability and flexibility for lab-on-a-chip experiments.

A chaotic electroosmotic stirrer.

Two-dimensional, time-independent, and time-dependent electroosmotic flows driven by a uniform electric field in a conduit with nonuniform zeta potential distributions along its walls are investigated theoretically. The time-independent flow fields are computed with the aid of Fourier series. The series' convergence is accelerated so that highly accurate solutions are obtained with just a few terms in the series. The analytic solution is used to compute flow patterns for various distributions of the zeta potential along the conduit's boundaries. Subsequently, it is demonstrated that by time-wise periodic alternations of the zeta potentials, one can induce chaotic advection. This chaotic flow can be used to efficiently stir and mix fluids in microfluidic devices.

Lubrication theory for electro-osmotic flow in a microfluidic channel of slowly varying cross-section and wall charge

Electro-osmotic flow is a convenient mechanism for transporting fluid in microfluidic devices. The flow is generated through the application of an external electric field that acts on the free charges that exist in a thin Debye layer at the channel walls. The charge on the wall is due to the particular chemistry of the solid–fluid interface and can vary along the channel either by design or because of various unavoidable inhomogeneities of the wall material or because of contamination of the wall by chemicals contained in the fluid stream. The channel cross-section could also vary in shape and area. The effect of such variability on the flow through microfluidic channels is of interest in the design of devices that use electro-osmotic flow. The problem of electro-osmotic flow in a straight microfluidic channel of arbitrary cross-sectional geometry and distribution of wall charge is solved in the lubrication approximation, which is justified when the characteristic length scales for axial variation of the wall charge and cross-section are both large compared to a characteristic width of the channel. It is thereby shown that the volume flux of fluid through such a microchannel is a linear function of the applied pressure drop and electric potential drop across it, the coefficients of which may be calculated explicitly in terms of the geometry and charge distribution on the wall. These coefficients characterize the ‘fluidic resistance’ of each segment of a microfluidic network in analogy to the electrical ‘resistance’ in a microelectronic circuit. A consequence of the axial variation in channel properties is the appearance of an induced pressure gradient and an associated secondary flow that leads to increased Taylor dispersion limiting the resolution of electrophoretic separations. The lubrication theory presented here offers a simple way of calculating the distortion of the flow profile in general geometries and could be useful in studies of dispersion induced by inhomogeneities in microfluidic channels.