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Thurgood P, Hawke A, Low LS, Borg A, Peter K, Baratchi S, Khoshmanesh K. Tube Oscillation Drives Transitory Vortices Across Microfluidic Barriers. SMALL METHODS 2023:e2301427. [PMID: 38161266 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Here, the generation of dynamic vortices across microscale barriers using the tube oscillation mechanism is demonstrated. Using a combination of high-speed imaging and computational flow dynamics, the cyclic formation, expansion, and collapse of vortices are studied. The dynamics of vortices across circular , triangular, and blade-shape barriers are investigated at different tube oscillation frequencies. The formation of an array of synchronous vortices across parallel blade-shaped barriers is demonstrated. The transient flows caused by these dynamic vortex arrays are harnessed for the rapid and efficient mixing of blood samples . A circular barrier scribed with a narrow orifice on its shoulder is used to facilitate the injection of liquid into the microfluidic channel, and its rapid mixing with the main flow through the dynamic vortices generated across the barrier. This approach facilitates the generation of vortices with desirable configurations, sizes, and dynamics in a highly controllable, programmable, and predictable manner while operating at low static flow rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thurgood
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Adam Hawke
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Lee Sheer Low
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Aimee Borg
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
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2
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Li X, Wang F, Xia C, The HL, Bomer JG, Wang Y. Laser Controlled Manipulation of Microbubbles on a Surface with Silica-Coated Gold Nanoparticle Array. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2302939. [PMID: 37496086 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202302939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Microbubble generation and manipulation play critical roles in diverse applications such as microfluidic mixing, pumping, and microrobot propulsion. However, existing methods are typically limited to lateral movements on customized substrates or rely on specific liquids with particular properties or designed concentration gradients, thereby hindering their practical applications. To address this challenge, this paper presents a method that enables robust vertical manipulation of microbubbles. By focusing a resonant laser on hydrophilic silica-coated gold nanoparticle arrays immersed in water, plasmonic microbubbles are generated and detach from the substrates immediately upon cessation of laser irradiation. Using simple laser pulse control, it can achieve an adjustable size and frequency of bubble bouncing, which is governed by the movement of the three-phase contact line during surface wetting. Furthermore, it demonstrates that rising bubbles can be pulled back by laser irradiation induced thermal Marangoni flow, which is verified by particle image velocimetry measurements and numerical simulations. This study provides novel insights into flexible bubble manipulation and integration in microfluidics, with significant implications for various applications including mixing, drug delivery, and the development of soft actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolai Li
- Robotics Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Fulong Wang
- Robotics Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Chenliang Xia
- Robotics Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Hai Le The
- BIOS Lab-on-a-chip, University of Twente, Enschede, P.O. Box 217, 7500AE, The Netherlands
- Physics of Fluids, Max Planck Center Twente for Complex Fluid Dynamics and J.M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Mechanics, University of Twente, Enschede, P.O. Box 217, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Johan G Bomer
- BIOS Lab-on-a-chip, University of Twente, Enschede, P.O. Box 217, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Yuliang Wang
- Robotics Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
- Ningbo Institute of Technology, Beihang University, Ningbo, 315832, P. R. China
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3
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Gao W, Vaezzadeh N, Chow K, Chen H, Lavender P, Jeronimo MD, McAllister A, Laselva O, Jiang JX, Gage BK, Ogawa S, Ramchandran A, Bear CE, Keller GM, Günther A. One-Step Formation of Protein-Based Tubular Structures for Functional Devices and Tissues. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001746. [PMID: 33694327 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tubular biological structures consisting of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and cells are basic functional units of all organs in animals and humans. ECM protein solutions at low concentrations (5-10 milligrams per milliliter) are abundantly used in 3D cell culture. However, their poor "printability" and minute-long gelation time have made the direct extrusion of tubular structures in bioprinting applications challenging. Here, this limitation is overcome and the continuous, template-free conversion of low-concentration collagen, elastin, and fibrinogen solutions into tubular structures of tailored size and radial, circumferential and axial organization is demonstrated. The approach is enabled by a microfabricated printhead for the consistent circumferential distribution of ECM protein solutions and lends itself to scalable manufacture. The attached confinement accommodates minute-long residence times for pH, temperature, light, ionic and enzymatic gelation. Chip hosted ECM tubular structures are amenable to perfusion with aqueous solutions and air, and cyclic stretching. Predictive collapse and reopening in a crossed-tube configuration promote all-ECM valves and pumps. Tissue level function is demonstrated by factors secreted from cells embedded within the tube wall, as well as endothelial or epithelial barriers lining the lumen. The described approaches are anticipated to find applications in ECM-based organ-on-chip and biohybrid structures, hydraulic actuators, and soft machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuyang Gao
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Nima Vaezzadeh
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Kelvin Chow
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Haotian Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Patricia Lavender
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Mark D Jeronimo
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Arianna McAllister
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Onofrio Laselva
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Jia-Xin Jiang
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Blair K Gage
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, 101 College St, MaRS Center, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Shinichiro Ogawa
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, 101 College St, MaRS Center, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Laboratory, Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 101 College St, MaRS Center, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Arun Ramchandran
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Christine E Bear
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Gordon M Keller
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, 101 College St, MaRS Center, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St, MaRS Center, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Axel Günther
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
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Ma P, Wang S, Guan R, Hu L, Wang X, Ge A, Zhu J, Du W, Liu BF. An integrated microfluidic device for studying controllable gas embolism induced cellular responses. Talanta 2019; 208:120484. [PMID: 31816727 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.120484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Gas embolism is the abnormal emergence of bubble in the vascular system, which can induce local ischemic symptoms. For studying the mechanism underlying gas embolism and revealing local ischemic diseases information, novel technique for analyzing cells response to bubble contact with high controllability is highly desired. In this paper, we present an integrated microfluidic device for the precise generation and control of microbubble based on the gas permeability of polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) to study the effect of bubble's mechanical contact on cells. Cell viability analysis demonstrated that short-term (<15 min) bubble contact was generally non-lethal to cultured endothelial cells. The significant increase in intracellular calcium of the microbubble-contacted cells and cell-to-cell propagation of calcium signal in the adjacent cells were observed during the process of bubble expansion. In addition, the analysis of intercellular calcium signal in the cells treated with suramin and octanol revealed that cell-released small nucleotides and gap junction played an important role in regulating the propagation of calcium wave triggered by bubble contact. Thus, our microfluidic method provides an effective platform for studying the effect of gas embolism on cultured adherent cells and can be further needed for anti-embolism drugs test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ma
- 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, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- 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, Wuhan 430074, China; BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Ruixue Guan
- 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, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Liang Hu
- 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, Wuhan 430074, China; School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Xixian Wang
- 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, Wuhan 430074, China; Single Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels and Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
| | - Anle Ge
- 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, Wuhan 430074, China; Single Cell Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels and Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
| | - Jinchi Zhu
- 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, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Wei Du
- 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, Wuhan 430074, 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, Wuhan 430074, China
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5
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Zhang X, Zhang Z. Microfluidic Passive Flow Regulatory Device with an Integrated Check Valve for Enhanced Flow Control. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10100653. [PMID: 31569814 PMCID: PMC6843763 DOI: 10.3390/mi10100653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A passive microvalve has appealing advantages in cost-effective and miniaturized microfluidic applications. In this work, we present a passive flow regulatory device for enhanced flow control in a microfluidic environment. The device was integrated with two functional elements, including a flow regulating valve and a flow check valve. Importantly, the flow regulating valve could maintain a stable flow rate over a threshold liquid pressure, and the flow check valve enabled effective liquid on/off control, thus accurate forward flow without any backward leakage was achieved. The flow performance of the flow regulating valve was analyzed through 3D FSI (Fluid-Structure Interaction) simulation, and several key parameters (i.e., fluidic channel height and width, control channel length, and Young’s modulus) were found to influence valve flow rate directly. To examine the flow characteristics of the device, we fabricated a prototype using 3D printing and UV laser cutting technologies, and the flow rates of the prototype under varied test pressures were measured in forward and reverse modes, respectively. Experimental results showed that nearly a constant flow rate of 0.42 ± 0.02 mL s−1 was achieved in the forward mode at an inlet pressure range of 70 kPa to 130 kPa, and liquid flow was totally stopped in the reverse mode at a maximum pressure of 200 kPa. The proposed microfluidic flow regulatory device could be employed for accurate flow control in low-cost and portable Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjie Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hohai University, Changzhou 213022, China.
- School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China.
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Hohai University, Changzhou 213022, China
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Pereiro I, Fomitcheva Khartchenko A, Petrini L, Kaigala GV. Nip the bubble in the bud: a guide to avoid gas nucleation in microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:2296-2314. [PMID: 31168556 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00211a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Gas bubbles are almost a routine occurrence encountered by researchers working in the field of microfluidics. The spontaneous and unexpected nature of gas bubbles represents a major challenge for experimentalists and a stumbling block for the translation of microfluidic concepts to commercial products. This is a startling example of successful scientific results in the field overshadowing the practical hurdles of day-to-day usage. We however believe such hurdles can be overcome with a sound understanding of the underlying conditions that lead to bubble formation. In this tutorial, we focus on the two main conditions that result in bubble nucleation: surface nuclei and gas supersaturation in liquids. Key theoretical concepts such as Henry's law, Laplace pressure, the role of surface properties, nanobubbles and surfactants are presented along with a view of practical implementations that serve as preventive and curative measures. These considerations include not only microfluidic chip design and bubble traps but also often-overlooked conditions that regulate bubble formation, such as gas saturation under pressure or temperature gradients. Scenarios involving electrolysis, laser and acoustic cavitation or T-junction/co-flow geometries are also explored to provide the reader with a broader understanding on the topic. Interestingly, despite their often-disruptive nature, gas bubbles have also been cleverly utilized for certain practical applications, which we briefly review. We hope this tutorial will provide a reference guide in helping to deal with a familiar foe, the "bubble".
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Affiliation(s)
- Iago Pereiro
- IBM Research - Zurich, Säumerstrasse 4, Rüschlikon, CH-8803, Switzerland.
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Ma J, Wang G, Jin L, Oh K, Guan BO. Photothermally generated bubble on fiber (BoF) for precise sensing and control of liquid flow along a microfluidic channel. OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 27:19768-19777. [PMID: 31503732 DOI: 10.1364/oe.27.019768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The recent development of liquid-phase chemical analyses, drug delivery, and flow cytometry requires precise sensing and control of the liquid flow in a microfluidic chip environment. The channel in microfluidic chips is getting narrower to cope with complex liquid controls on a single chip, where small-footprint sensors and actuators are in urgent demand for accurate flow management. In this study, a unique microscopic bubble-on-fiber (BoF) device that can be readily integrated to current microfluidic chips was proposed and demonstrated for in situ sensing and control of microfluidic flow rate. The single microbubble was optically generated on the gold-deposited facet of an optical fiber by the local heating due to optical absorption. The BoF is a microscopic Fabry-Perot cavity, which serves as a thermal flow sensor precisely detecting the flow-induced temperature changes in the optical frequency domain. Experimentally we achieved the minimum detectable flow rate of ~0.06 mm/s in a single microfluidic channel, which is equivalent to a volume flow rate of 22 nL/s, and a response time of ~6 s. We also demonstrated that the BoF functioned as a microfluidic valve to regulate the flow rate in a Y-shape microfluidic chip by optically varying the bubble diameter. In addition to advantages of highly integrated functionalities and microscopic form factor, the proposed BoF can obviate the usage of chemical tracer such as dyes and can provide a high sensitivity over repeated flow cycles in a highly consistent manner. The BoF is promising for the timely development of high-density lab-on-a-chip devices using its efficient liquid flow management capability.
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Liu J, Li B, Zhu T, Zhou Y, Li S, Guo S, Li T. Tunable microfluidic standing air bubbles and its application in acoustic microstreaming. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2019; 13:034114. [PMID: 31186823 PMCID: PMC6554191 DOI: 10.1063/1.5086920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles are often used in chemistry, biophysics, and medicine. Properly controlled microbubbles have been proved beneficial for various applications by previous scientific endeavors. However, there is still a plenty of room for further development of efficient microbubble handling methods. Here, this paper introduces a tunable, stable, and robust microbubble interface handling mechanism, named as microfluidic standing air bubbles (μSABs), by studying the multiphysical phenomena behind the gas-liquid interface formation and variation. A basic μSAB system consists specially structured fluidic channels, pneumatic channels, and selectively permeable porous barriers between them. The μSABs originate inside the crevice structures on the fluidic channel walls in a repeatable and robust manner. The volumetric variation of the μSAB is a multiphysical phenomenon that dominated by the air diffusion between the pneumatic channel and the bubble. Theoretical analysis and experimental data illustrate the coupling processes of the repeatable and linear μSAB volumetric variation when operated under common handling conditions (control pneumatic pressure: -90 kPa to 200 kPa). Furthermore, an adjustable acoustic microstreaming is demonstrated as an application using the alterable μSAB gas-liquid interface. Derived equations and microscopic observations elucidate the mechanism of the continuous and linear regulation of the acoustic microstreaming using varying μSAB gas-liquid interfaces. The μSAB system provides a new tool to handle the flexible and controllable gas-liquid interfaces in a repeatable and robust manner, which makes it a promising candidate for innovative biochemical, biophysical, and medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tiejun Li
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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9
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Jung JH, Destgeer G, Park J, Ahmed H, Park K, Sung HJ. Microfluidic flow switching via localized acoustic streaming controlled by surface acoustic waves. RSC Adv 2018; 8:3206-3212. [PMID: 35541169 PMCID: PMC9077511 DOI: 10.1039/c7ra11194k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acoustic streaming flow induced by high-frequency surface acoustic waves has been used to switch streams of two immiscible fluids flowing in parallel through a bifurcating microchannel with an H-shaped junction at the centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ho Jung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 34141
- Korea
| | | | - Jinsoo Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 34141
- Korea
| | - Husnain Ahmed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 34141
- Korea
| | - Kwangseok Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 34141
- Korea
| | - Hyung Jin Sung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- KAIST
- Daejeon 34141
- Korea
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Wang C, Cao J, Zhou Y, Xia XH. On-chip microfluidic generation of monodisperse bubbles for liquid interfacial tension measurement. Talanta 2018; 176:646-651. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.08.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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11
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Xu L, Lee H, Jetta D, Oh KW. Vacuum-driven power-free microfluidics utilizing the gas solubility or permeability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:3962-79. [PMID: 26329518 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00716j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Suitable pumping methods for flow control remain a major technical hurdle in the path of biomedical microfluidic systems for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. A vacuum-driven power-free micropumping method provides a promising solution to such a challenge. In this review, we focus on vacuum-driven power-free microfluidics based on the gas solubility or permeability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS); degassed PDMS can restore air inside itself due to its high gas solubility or gas permeable nature. PDMS allows the transfer of air into a vacuum through it due to its high gas permeability. Therefore, it is possible to store or transfer air into or through the gas soluble or permeable PDMS in order to withdraw liquids into the embedded dead-end microfluidic channels. This article provides a comprehensive look at the physics of the gas solubility and permeability of PDMS, a systematic review of different types of vacuum-driven power-free microfluidics, and guidelines for designing solubility-based or permeability-based PDMS devices, alongside existing applications. Advanced topics and the outlook in using micropumping that utilizes the gas solubility or permeability of PDMS will be also discussed. We strongly recommend that microfluidics and lab-on-chip (LOC) communities harness vacuum energy to develop smart vacuum-driven microfluidic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Xu
- SMALL (Sensors and MicroActuators Learning Laboratory), Department of Electrical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA.
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12
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Yang L, Shi Y, Abolhasani M, Jensen KF. Characterization and modeling of multiphase flow in structured microreactors: a post microreactor case study. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:3232-3241. [PMID: 26126496 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00431d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We study microreactors with internal fields of posts as typical examples of structured microreactors to elucidate flow fields and their implications for mass transfer. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) visualization combined with image analysis is used to systematically quantify key features such as interfacial area, phase holdup and the characteristics of the post-wetting layer. The subsequent mass transport analysis yields insight into how the posts contribute to the overall enhanced mass transfer performance compared to open channels, and provides predictions of mass transfer performance under varying operating conditions. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations of multiphase flow using the volume-of-fluid (VOF) method are in good agreement with experimentally observed multiphase flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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13
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Oskooei A, Günther A. Bubble pump: scalable strategy for in-plane liquid routing. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:2842-2853. [PMID: 26016773 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00326a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We present an on-chip liquid routing technique intended for application in well-based microfluidic systems that require long-term active pumping at low to medium flowrates. Our technique requires only one fluidic feature layer, one pneumatic control line and does not rely on flexible membranes and mechanical or moving parts. The presented bubble pump is therefore compatible with both elastomeric and rigid substrate materials and the associated scalable manufacturing processes. Directed liquid flow was achieved in a microchannel by an in-series configuration of two previously described "bubble gates", i.e., by gas-bubble enabled miniature gate valves. Only one time-dependent pressure signal is required and initiates at the upstream (active) bubble gate a reciprocating bubble motion. Applied at the downstream (passive) gate a time-constant gas pressure level is applied. In its rest state, the passive gate remains closed and only temporarily opens while the liquid pressure rises due to the active gate's reciprocating bubble motion. We have designed, fabricated and consistently operated our bubble pump with a variety of working liquids for >72 hours. Flow rates of 0-5.5 μl min(-1), were obtained and depended on the selected geometric dimensions, working fluids and actuation frequencies. The maximum operational pressure was 2.9 kPa-9.1 kPa and depended on the interfacial tension of the working fluids. Attainable flow rates compared favorably with those of available micropumps. We achieved flow rate enhancements of 30-100% by operating two bubble pumps in tandem and demonstrated scalability of the concept in a multi-well format with 12 individually and uniformly perfused microchannels (variation in flow rate <7%). We envision the demonstrated concept to allow for the consistent on-chip delivery of a wide range of different liquids that may even include highly reactive or moisture sensitive solutions. The presented bubble pump may provide active flow control for analytical and point-of-care diagnostic devices, as well as for microfluidic cells culture and organ-on-chip platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Oskooei
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada.
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14
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A multi-functional bubble-based microfluidic system. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9942. [PMID: 25906043 PMCID: PMC4407724 DOI: 10.1038/srep09942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the bubble-based systems have offered a new paradigm in microfluidics. Gas bubbles are highly flexible, controllable and barely mix with liquids, and thus can be used for the creation of reconfigurable microfluidic systems. In this work, a hydrodynamically actuated bubble-based microfluidic system is introduced. This system enables the precise movement of air bubbles via axillary feeder channels to alter the geometry of the main channel and consequently the flow characteristics of the system. Mixing of neighbouring streams is demonstrated by oscillating the bubble at desired displacements and frequencies. Flow control is achieved by pushing the bubble to partially or fully close the main channel. Patterning of suspended particles is also demonstrated by creating a large bubble along the sidewalls. Rigorous analytical and numerical calculations are presented to describe the operation of the system. The examples presented in this paper highlight the versatility of the developed bubble-based actuator for a variety of applications; thus providing a vision that can be expanded for future highly reconfigurable microfluidics.
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15
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Abolhasani M, Oskooei A, Klinkova A, Kumacheva E, Günther A. Shaken, and stirred: oscillatory segmented flow for controlled size-evolution of colloidal nanomaterials. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:2309-18. [PMID: 24828153 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc00131a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
We introduce oscillatory segmented flow as a compact microfluidic format that accommodates slow chemical reactions for the solution-phase processing of colloidal nanomaterials. The strategy allows the reaction progress to be monitored at a dynamic range of up to 80 decibels (i.e., residence times of up to one day, equivalent to 720-14,400 times the mixing time) from only one sensing location. A train of alternating gas bubbles and liquid reaction compartments (segmented flow) was initially formed, stopped and then subjected to a consistent back-and-forth motion. The oscillatory segmented flow was obtained by periodically manipulating the pressures at the device inlet and outlet via square wave signals generated by non-wetted solenoid valves. The readily implementable format significantly reduced the device footprint as compared with continuous segmented flow. We investigated mixing enhancement for varying liquid segment lengths, oscillation amplitudes and oscillation frequencies. The etching of gold nanorods served as a case study to illustrate the utility of the approach for dynamic characterization and precise control of colloidal nanomaterial size and shape for 5 h. Oscillatory segmented flows will be beneficial for a broad range of lab-on-a-chip applications that require long processing times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Abolhasani
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada.
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16
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Choi JW, Hosseini Hashemi SM, Erickson D, Psaltis D. A micropillar array for sample concentration via in-plane evaporation. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2014; 8:044108. [PMID: 25379093 PMCID: PMC4189217 DOI: 10.1063/1.4890943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
We present a method to perform sample concentration within a lab-on-a-chip using a microfluidic structure which controls the liquid-gas interface through a micropillar array fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane between microfluidic channels. The microstructure confines the liquid flow and a thermal gradient is used to drive evaporation at the liquid-gas-interface. The evaporation occurs in-plane to the microfluidic device, allowing for precise control of the ambient environment. This method is demonstrated with a sample containing 1 μm, 100 nm fluorescent beads and SYTO-9 labelled Escherichia coli bacteria. Over 100 s, the fluorescent beads and bacteria are concentrated by a factor of 10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Woo Choi
- School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | | | - David Erickson
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Demetri Psaltis
- School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
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