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Li Z, Hu R, Li T, Zhu J, You H, Li Y, Liu BF, Li C, Li Y, Yang Y. A TeZla micromixer for interrogating the early and broad folding landscape of G-quadruplex via multistage velocity descending. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315401121. [PMID: 38232280 PMCID: PMC10823215 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315401121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomacromolecular folding kinetics involves fast folding events and broad timescales. Current techniques face limitations in either the required time resolution or the observation window. In this study, we developed the TeZla micromixer, integrating Tesla and Zigzag microstructures with a multistage velocity descending strategy. TeZla achieves a significant short mixing dead time (40 µs) and a wide time window covering four orders of magnitude (up to 300 ms). Using this unique micromixer, we explored the folding landscape of c-Myc G4 and its noncanonical-G4 derivatives with different loop lengths or G-vacancy sites. Our findings revealed that c-Myc can bypass folding intermediates and directly adopt a G4 structure in the cation-deficient buffer. Moreover, we found that the loop length and specific G-vacancy site could affect the folding pathway and significantly slow down the folding rates. These results were also cross-validated with real-time NMR and circular dichroism. In conclusion, TeZla represents a versatile tool for studying biomolecular folding kinetics, and our findings may ultimately contribute to the design of drugs targeting G4 structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences—Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan430071, China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10049, China
| | - Rui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences—Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan430071, China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10049, China
| | - Tao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences—Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan430071, China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10049, China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences—Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan430071, China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10049, China
| | - Huijuan You
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, China
| | - Yiwei Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics—Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics—Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, China
| | - Conggang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences—Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan430071, China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10049, China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences—Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan430071, China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10049, China
| | - Yunhuang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences—Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan430071, China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10049, China
- Optics Valley Laboratory, Hubei430074, China
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2
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Cai S, Jin Y, Lin Y, He Y, Zhang P, Ge Z, Yang W. Micromixing within microfluidic devices: Fundamentals, design, and fabrication. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:061503. [PMID: 38098692 PMCID: PMC10718651 DOI: 10.1063/5.0178396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
As one of the hot spots in the field of microfluidic chip research, micromixers have been widely used in chemistry, biology, and medicine due to their small size, fast response time, and low reagent consumption. However, at low Reynolds numbers, the fluid motion relies mainly on the diffusive motion of molecules under laminar flow conditions. The detrimental effect of laminar flow leads to difficulties in achieving rapid and efficient mixing of fluids in microchannels. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance fluid mixing by employing some external means. In this paper, the classification and mixing principles of passive (T-type, Y-type, obstructed, serpentine, three-dimensional) and active (acoustic, electric, pressure, thermal, magnetic field) micromixers are reviewed based on the presence or absence of external forces in the micromixers, and some experiments and applications of each type of micromixer are briefly discussed. Finally, the future development trends of micromixers are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxiang Cai
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yawen Jin
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yun Lin
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yingzheng He
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Naval Aviation University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Peifan Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Naval Aviation University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Zhixing Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
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3
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Wang X, Liu Z, Wang B, Cai Y, Song Q. An overview on state-of-art of micromixer designs, characteristics and applications. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1279:341685. [PMID: 37827660 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Micromixers are characterized based on characteristics such as excellent mixing efficiency, low reagent cost and flexible controllability compared with conventional reactors in terms of macro size. A variety of designs and applications of micromixers have been proposed. The focus of current reviews is restricted to micromixer structures. Each type of micromixer has characteristics corresponding to its structure, which determines the suitable application areas. This paper provides an overview connecting micromixer designs and their applications. First, the typical designs and mixing mechanisms of both passive and active micromixers are summarized. Then, application cases of micromixers, including chemical, biological and medical applications, are presented. The characteristics, including the advantages and restrictions of different micromixers, are discussed. Finally, the future perspective of micromixer design is proposed. It is predictable that micromixers will have widespread applications by integrating two or more different mixing methods together. This review would be beneficial to guide the design of micromixers applied for specific purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China; Key Laboratory of High Efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture of MOE/Key National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical Engineering Education, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China
| | - Zhanqiang Liu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China; Key Laboratory of High Efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture of MOE/Key National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical Engineering Education, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China.
| | - Bing Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China; Key Laboratory of High Efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture of MOE/Key National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical Engineering Education, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China
| | - Yukui Cai
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China; Key Laboratory of High Efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture of MOE/Key National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical Engineering Education, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghua Song
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China; Key Laboratory of High Efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture of MOE/Key National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical Engineering Education, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China
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4
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Fu Q, Liu Z, Cao S, Wang Z, Liu G. Topology-Optimized Micromixer Design with Enhanced Reverse Flow to Increase Mixing Efficiency. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1599. [PMID: 37630135 PMCID: PMC10456267 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a serpentine mixing unit model based on topology optimization is proposed to enhance the reverse flow in both horizontal and vertical directions. The increase in reverse flow in both directions can enhance the chaotic advection phenomenon, leading to a rapid increase in the mixing index. The proposed mixing unit model is applied in a T-shaped micromixer to create a new micromixer design, named TOD. Numerical simulations of TOD are performed using Comsol Multiphysics software to analyze the characteristics of the liquid flow, mixing surface, and pressure drop. The simulation results confirm that TOD has an outstanding mixing performance. By widening the surface area of contact and enhancing the chaotic advection phenomenon, TOD shows an excellent mixing performance at both a high and low Reynolds number, making it a promising micromixer design. For Re > 5, the mixing indexes of TOD are all beyond 90%.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guojun Liu
- College of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China; (Q.F.); (Z.L.); (S.C.); (Z.W.)
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5
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Gimondi S, Ferreira H, Reis RL, Neves NM. Microfluidic Devices: A Tool for Nanoparticle Synthesis and Performance Evaluation. ACS NANO 2023; 17:14205-14228. [PMID: 37498731 PMCID: PMC10416572 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in nanomedicine holds great promise for the treatment of diseases for which conventional therapies present serious limitations. Additionally, NPs can drastically improve early diagnosis and follow-up of many disorders. However, to harness their full capabilities, they must be precisely designed, produced, and tested in relevant models. Microfluidic systems can simulate dynamic fluid flows, gradients, specific microenvironments, and multiorgan complexes, providing an efficient and cost-effective approach for both NPs synthesis and screening. Microfluidic technologies allow for the synthesis of NPs under controlled conditions, enhancing batch-to-batch reproducibility. Moreover, due to the versatility of microfluidic devices, it is possible to generate and customize endless platforms for rapid and efficient in vitro and in vivo screening of NPs' performance. Indeed, microfluidic devices show great potential as advanced systems for small organism manipulation and immobilization. In this review, first we summarize the major microfluidic platforms that allow for controlled NPs synthesis. Next, we will discuss the most innovative microfluidic platforms that enable mimicking in vitro environments as well as give insights into organism-on-a-chip and their promising application for NPs screening. We conclude this review with a critical assessment of the current challenges and possible future directions of microfluidic systems in NPs synthesis and screening to impact the field of nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gimondi
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters
of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and
Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque
de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s−PT
Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Helena Ferreira
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters
of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and
Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque
de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s−PT
Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters
of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and
Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque
de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s−PT
Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno M. Neves
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters
of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and
Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque
de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s−PT
Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
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Lee J, Lee S, Lee M, Prakash R, Kim H, Cho G, Lee J. Enhancing Mixing Performance in a Rotating Disk Mixing Chamber: A Quantitative Investigation of the Effect of Euler and Coriolis Forces. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13081218. [PMID: 36014138 PMCID: PMC9416410 DOI: 10.3390/mi13081218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Lab-on-a-CD (LOCD) is gaining importance as a diagnostic platform due to being low-cost, easy-to-use, and portable. During LOCD usage, mixing and reaction are two processes that play an essential role in biochemical applications such as point-of-care diagnosis. In this paper, we numerically and experimentally investigate the effects of the Coriolis and Euler forces in the mixing chamber during the acceleration and deceleration of a rotating disk. The mixing performance is investigated under various conditions that have not been reported, such as rotational condition, chamber aspect ratio at a constant volume, and obstacle arrangement in the chamber. During disk acceleration and deceleration, the Euler force difference in the radial direction causes rotating flows, while the Coriolis force induces perpendicular vortices. Increasing the maximum rotational velocity improves the maximum rotational displacement, resulting in better mixing performance. A longer rotational period increases the interfacial area between solutions and enhances mixing. Mixing performance also improves when there is a substantial difference between Euler forces at the inner and outer radii. Furthermore, adding obstacles in the angular direction also passively promotes or inhibits mixing by configuration. This quantitative investigation provides valuable information for designing and developing high throughput and multiplexed point-of-care LOCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyeong Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (J.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Saebom Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (J.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Minki Lee
- Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea;
| | - Ritesh Prakash
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea;
- Research Engineering Center for R2R Printed Flexible, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Hyejeong Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - Gyoujin Cho
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea;
- Research Engineering Center for R2R Printed Flexible, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (J.L.)
| | - Jinkee Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (J.L.); (S.L.)
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea;
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (J.L.)
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7
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A numerical study of mixing intensification for highly viscous fluids in multistage rotor–stator mixers. Chin J Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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8
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Yang H, Wei S, Chen H, Chen L, Au C, Xie T, Yin S. A High‐Throughput Chaotic Advection Microreactor for Preparation of Uniform and Aggregated BaSO
4
Nanoparticles. AIChE J 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/aic.17810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Provincial Hunan Key Laboratory for Cost‐effective Utilization of Fossil Fuel Aimed at Reducing Carbon‐dioxide Emissions Hunan University Changsha P. R. China
| | - Shi‐Xiao Wei
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Provincial Hunan Key Laboratory for Cost‐effective Utilization of Fossil Fuel Aimed at Reducing Carbon‐dioxide Emissions Hunan University Changsha P. R. China
| | - Han Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Provincial Hunan Key Laboratory for Cost‐effective Utilization of Fossil Fuel Aimed at Reducing Carbon‐dioxide Emissions Hunan University Changsha P. R. China
| | - Lang Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Provincial Hunan Key Laboratory for Cost‐effective Utilization of Fossil Fuel Aimed at Reducing Carbon‐dioxide Emissions Hunan University Changsha P. R. China
| | - Chak‐Tong Au
- College of Chemical Engineering Fuzhou University Fuzhou P. R. China
| | - Ting‐Liang Xie
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Provincial Hunan Key Laboratory for Cost‐effective Utilization of Fossil Fuel Aimed at Reducing Carbon‐dioxide Emissions Hunan University Changsha P. R. China
| | - Shuang‐Feng Yin
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Provincial Hunan Key Laboratory for Cost‐effective Utilization of Fossil Fuel Aimed at Reducing Carbon‐dioxide Emissions Hunan University Changsha P. R. China
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9
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Faradonbeh VR, Rabiei S, Rabiei H, Goodarzi M, Safaei MR, Lin CX. Power-law fluid micromixing enhancement using surface acoustic waves. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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10
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Antognoli M, Tomasi Masoni S, Mariotti A, Mauri R, Salvetti MV, Brunazzi E, Galletti C. Mixing Improvement in a T-Shaped Micro-Junction through Small Rectangular Cavities. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020159. [PMID: 35208284 PMCID: PMC8879540 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The T-shaped micro-junction is among the most used geometry in microfluidic applications, and many design modifications of the channel walls have been proposed to enhance mixing. In this work, we investigate through numerical simulations the introduction of one pair of small rectangular cavities in the lateral walls of the mixing channel just downstream of the confluence region. The aim is to preserve the simple geometry that has contributed to spread the practical use of the T-shaped micro-junction while suggesting a modification that should, in principle, work jointly with the vortical structures present in the mixing channel, further enhancing their efficiency in mixing without significant additional pressure drops. The performance is analyzed in the different flow regimes occurring by increasing the Reynolds number. The cavities are effective in the two highly-mixed flow regimes, viz., the steady engulfment and the periodic asymmetric regimes. This presence does not interfere with the formation of the vortical structures that promote mixing by convection in these two regimes, but it further enhances the mixing of the inlet streams in the near-wall region of the mixing channel without any additional cost, leading to better performance than the classical configuration.
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11
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Yang L, Xu F, Chen G. Enhancement of gas-liquid mass transfer and mixing in zigzag microreactor under ultrasonic oscillation. Chem Eng Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.117094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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12
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Design and evaluation of two-dimensional passive micromixer based on unbalanced convergence-divergence-splits and reverse-collisions-recombination. Chem Eng Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.116816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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13
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Antognoli M, Stoecklein D, Galletti C, Brunazzi E, Di Carlo D. Optimized design of obstacle sequences for microfluidic mixing in an inertial regime. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:3910-3923. [PMID: 34636817 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00483b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mixing is a basic but challenging step to achieve in high throughput microfluidic applications such as organic synthesis or production of particles. A common approach to improve micromixer performance is to devise a single component that enhances mixing through optimal convection, and then sequence multiple such units back-to-back to enhance overall mixing at the end of the sequence. However, the mixing units are often optimized only for the initial non-mixed fluid composition, which is no longer the input condition for each subsequent unit. Thus, there is no guarantee that simply repeating a single mixing unit will achieve optimally mixed fluid flow at the end of the sequence. In this work, we analyzed sequences of 20 cylindrical obstacles, or pillars, to optimize the mixing in the inertial regime (where mixing is more difficult due to higher Péclet number) by managing their interdependent convection operations on the composition of the fluid. Exploiting a software for microfluidic design optimization called FlowSculpt, we predicted and optimized the interfacial stretching of two co-flowing fluids, neglecting diffusive effects. We were able to quickly design three different optimal pillar sequences through a space of 3220 possible combinations of pillars. As proof of concept, we tested the new passive mixer designs using confocal microscopy and full 3D CFD simulations for high Péclet numbers (Pe ≈ O(105-6)), observing fluid flow shape and mixing index at several cross-sections, reaching mixing efficiencies around 80%. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of the inter-pillar spacing on the most optimal design, quantifying the tradeoff between mixing performance and hydraulic resistance. These micromixer designs and the framework for the design in inertial regimes can be used for various applications, such as lipid nanoparticle fabrication which has been of great importance in vaccine scale up during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Antognoli
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Industriale, University of Pisa, Pisa 56122, Italy
| | - Daniel Stoecklein
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN, 47803, USA
| | - Chiara Galletti
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Industriale, University of Pisa, Pisa 56122, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Brunazzi
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Industriale, University of Pisa, Pisa 56122, Italy
| | - Dino Di Carlo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90055, USA.
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14
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Numerical Analysis of the Heterogeneity Effect on Electroosmotic Micromixers Based on the Standard Deviation of Concentration and Mixing Entropy Index. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12091055. [PMID: 34577699 PMCID: PMC8469035 DOI: 10.3390/mi12091055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
One approach to achieve a homogeneous mixture in microfluidic systems in the quickest time and shortest possible length is to employ electroosmotic flow characteristics with heterogeneous surface properties. Mixing using electroosmotic flow inside microchannels with homogeneous walls is done primarily under the influence of molecular diffusion, which is not strong enough to mix the fluids thoroughly. However, surface chemistry technology can help create desired patterns on microchannel walls to generate significant rotational currents and improve mixing efficiency remarkably. This study analyzes the function of a heterogeneous zeta-potential patch located on a microchannel wall in creating mixing inside a microchannel affected by electroosmotic flow and determines the optimal length to achieve the desired mixing rate. The approximate Helmholtz–Smoluchowski model is suggested to reduce computational costs and simplify the solving process. The results show that the heterogeneity length and location of the zeta-potential patch affect the final mixing proficiency. It was also observed that the slip coefficient on the wall has a more significant effect than the Reynolds number change on improving the mixing efficiency of electroosmotic micromixers, benefiting the heterogeneous distribution of zeta-potential. In addition, using a channel with a heterogeneous zeta-potential patch covered by a slip surface did not lead to an adequate mixing in low Reynolds numbers. Therefore, a homogeneous channel without any heterogeneity would be a priority in such a range of Reynolds numbers. However, increasing the Reynolds number and the presence of a slip coefficient on the heterogeneous channel wall enhances the mixing efficiency relative to the homogeneous one. It should be noted, though, that increasing the slip coefficient will make the mixing efficiency decrease sharply in any situation, especially in high Reynolds numbers.
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15
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Wang X, Wang Y, Li F, Li L, Ge X, Zhang S, Qiu T. Scale-up of microreactor: Effects of hydrodynamic diameter on liquid–liquid flow and mass transfer. Chem Eng Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.115838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Sun H, Ren Y, Tao Y, Jiang T, Jiang H. Three-Fluid Sequential Micromixing-Assisted Nanoparticle Synthesis Utilizing Alternating Current Electrothermal Flow. Ind Eng Chem Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.0c02068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haizhen Sun
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
| | - Yukun Ren
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
| | - Ye Tao
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
| | - Tianyi Jiang
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
| | - Hongyuan Jiang
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P. R. China
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Nigam KDP, Ranade VV. I&EC Research Special Issue on Fluidic Devices without Moving Parts. Ind Eng Chem Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.0c00710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. D. P. Nigam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64849, Mexico
| | - Vivek V. Ranade
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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