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Huang Y, Zhang Y, Wu W, Wang Y, Qiu W, Zhang Z, Yu Y. Fast acoustic droplet ejection based on annular array transducer. ULTRASONICS 2024; 145:107448. [PMID: 39243532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2024.107448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Acoustic droplet ejection (ADE) has become the preferred method for liquid transfer in a variety of applications including synthetic biology, genotyping and drug discovery. Comparing with traditional pipetting techniques, the accuracy and data reproducibility of ADE based liquid transfer are improved, waste and cost are reduced, and cross-contamination is eliminated. The key component in the ADE system is the ultrasound transducer, which is responsible for generating focused ultrasound beam for droplet ejection. However, current ADE systems commonly utilize a single-element focused transducer with a fixed focal length that require mechanical movement to focus on the liquid surface, resulting in reduced liquid transfer efficiency. In this study, we first present a high-frequency annular array transducer for the ADE technology, which enables rapid and dynamic axial focusing to the liquid surface without mechanically moving the transducer, thereby accelerating liquid transfer. Experimental results show that the proposed 10 MHz, 5-element annular array transducer has good dynamic axial focusing ability, and can achieve accurate and stable droplet ejection of nanoliter volume at the designed focal length of 26-32 mm. Our results highlight the potential of the annular array transducer in advancing ADE system for rapid liquid transfer. This technology is expected to be useful in a variety of applications where precise and high-throughput liquid transfer is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youta Huang
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 508055 China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; National-Reginoal Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 508055 China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; School of Electrical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Weichang Wu
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 508055 China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Electrical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Weibao Qiu
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 508055 China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 508055 China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science and System, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yanyan Yu
- National-Reginoal Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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Zhu Z, Chen T, Huang F, Wang S, Zhu P, Xu RX, Si T. Free-Boundary Microfluidic Platform for Advanced Materials Manufacturing and Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2304840. [PMID: 37722080 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics, with its remarkable capacity to manipulate fluids and droplets at the microscale, has emerged as a powerful platform in numerous fields. In contrast to conventional closed microchannel microfluidic systems, free-boundary microfluidic manufacturing (FBMM) processes continuous precursor fluids into jets or droplets in a relatively spacious environment. FBMM is highly regarded for its superior flexibility, stability, economy, usability, and versatility in the manufacturing of advanced materials and architectures. In this review, a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in FBMM is provided, encompassing technical principles, advanced material manufacturing, and their applications. FBMM is categorized based on the foundational mechanisms, primarily comprising hydrodynamics, interface effects, acoustics, and electrohydrodynamic. The processes and mechanisms of fluid manipulation are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, the manufacturing of advanced materials in various dimensions ranging from zero-dimensional to three-dimensional, as well as their diverse applications in material science, biomedical engineering, and engineering are presented. Finally, current progress is summarized and future challenges are prospected. Overall, this review highlights the significant potential of FBMM as a powerful tool for advanced materials manufacturing and its wide-ranging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Zhu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Tianao Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Fangsheng Huang
- Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Pingan Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Ronald X Xu
- Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Ting Si
- Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
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Ning J, Lei Y, Hu H, Gai C. A Comprehensive Review of Surface Acoustic Wave-Enabled Acoustic Droplet Ejection Technology and Its Applications. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1543. [PMID: 37630082 PMCID: PMC10456473 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on the development of surface acoustic wave-enabled acoustic drop ejection (SAW-ADE) technology, which utilizes surface acoustic waves to eject droplets from liquids without touching the sample. The technology offers advantages such as high throughput, high precision, non-contact, and integration with automated systems while saving samples and reagents. The article first provides an overview of the SAW-ADE technology, including its basic theory, simulation verification, and comparison with other types of acoustic drop ejection technology. The influencing factors of SAW-ADE technology are classified into four categories: fluid properties, device configuration, presence of channels or chambers, and driving signals. The influencing factors discussed in detail from various aspects, such as the volume, viscosity, and surface tension of the liquid; the type of substrate material, interdigital transducers, and the driving waveform; sessile droplets and fluid in channels/chambers; and the power, frequency, and modulation of the input signal. The ejection performance of droplets is influenced by various factors, and their optimization can be achieved by taking into account all of the above factors and designing appropriate configurations. Additionally, the article briefly introduces the application scenarios of SAW-ADE technology in bioprinters and chemical analyses and provides prospects for future development. The article contributes to the field of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technology and may help researchers to design and optimize SAW-ADE systems for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hong Hu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; (J.N.)
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Guo Q, Zhang J, Li D, Yu H. Effect of Wettability on the Collision Behavior of Acoustically Excited Droplets. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:7408-7417. [PMID: 37186956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic droplet ejection (ADE) is a noncontact technique for micro-liquid handling (usually nanoliters or picoliters) that is not restricted by nozzles and enables high-throughput liquid dispensing without sacrificing precision. It is widely regarded as the most advanced solution for liquid handling in large-scale drug screening. Stable coalescence of the acoustically excited droplets on the target substrate is a fundamental requirement during the application of the ADE system. However, it is challenging to investigate the collision behavior of nanoliter droplets flying upward during the ADE. In particular, the dependence of the droplet's collision behavior on substrate wettability and droplet velocity has yet to be thoroughly analyzed. In this paper, the kinetic processes of binary droplet collisions were investigated experimentally for different wettability substrate surfaces. Four states occur as the droplet collision velocity increases: coalescence after minor deformation, complete rebound, coalescence during rebound, and direct coalescence. For the hydrophilic substrate, there are wider ranges of Weber number (We) and Reynolds number (Re) in the complete rebound state. And with the decrease of the substrate wettability, the critical Weber and Reynolds numbers for the coalescence during rebound and the direct coalescence decrease. It is further revealed that the hydrophilic substrate is susceptible to droplet rebound because the sessile droplet has a larger radius of curvature and the viscous energy dissipation is greater. Besides, the prediction model of the maximum spreading diameter was established by modifying the droplet morphology in the complete rebound state. It is found that, under the same Weber and Reynolds numbers, droplet collisions on the hydrophilic substrate achieve a smaller maximum spreading coefficient and greater viscous energy dissipation, so the hydrophilic substrate is prone to droplet bounce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jialu Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Dachao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Haixia Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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