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Chen Y, Sun T, Liu Z, Zhang Y, Wang J. Towards Design Automation of Microfluidic Mixers: Leveraging Reinforcement Learning and Artificial Neural Networks. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:901. [PMID: 39064412 PMCID: PMC11278837 DOI: 10.3390/mi15070901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic mixers, a pivotal application of microfluidic technology, are primarily utilized for the rapid amalgamation of diverse samples within microscale devices. Given the intricacy of their design processes and the substantial expertise required from designers, the intelligent automation of microfluidic mixer design has garnered significant attention. This paper discusses an approach that integrates artificial neural networks (ANNs) with reinforcement learning techniques to automate the dimensional parameter design of microfluidic mixers. In this study, we selected two typical microfluidic mixer structures for testing and trained two neural network models, both highly precise and cost-efficient, as alternatives to traditional, time-consuming finite-element simulations using up to 10,000 sets of COMSOL simulation data. By defining effective state evaluation functions for the reinforcement learning agents, we utilized the trained agents to successfully validate the automated design of dimensional parameters for these mixer structures. The tests demonstrated that the first mixer model could be automatically optimized in just 0.129 s, and the second in 0.169 s, significantly reducing the time compared to manual design. The simulation results validated the potential of reinforcement learning techniques in the automated design of microfluidic mixers, offering a new solution in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Junchao Wang
- School of Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Zhang N, Sun T, Liu Z, Zhang Y, Xu Y, Wang J. A universal inverse design methodology for microfluidic mixers. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:024102. [PMID: 38560343 PMCID: PMC10977039 DOI: 10.1063/5.0185494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The intelligent design of microfluidic mixers encompasses both the automation of predicting fluid performance and the structural design of mixers. This article delves into the technical trajectory of computer-aided design for micromixers, leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms. We propose an automated micromixer design methodology rooted in cost-effective artificial neural network (ANN) models paired with inverse design algorithms. Initially, we introduce two inverse design methods for micromixers: one that combines ANN with multi-objective genetic algorithms, and another that fuses ANN with particle swarm optimization algorithms. Subsequently, using two benchmark micromixers as case studies, we demonstrate the automatic derivation of micromixer structural parameters. Finally, we automatically design and optimize 50 sets of micromixer structures using the proposed algorithms. The design accuracy is further enhanced by analyzing the inverse design algorithm from a statistical standpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiyin Zhang
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- School of Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenya Liu
- School of Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- School of Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Xu
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junchao Wang
- School of Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
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Qi X, Zhou Q, Li X, Hu G. Generation of Multiple Concentration Gradients Using a Two-Dimensional Pyramid Array. Anal Chem 2024; 96:856-865. [PMID: 38104274 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Concentration heterogeneity of diffusible reactants is a prevalent phenomenon in biochemical processes, requiring the generation of concentration gradients for the relevant experiments. In this study, we present a high-density pyramid array microfluidic network for the effective and precise generation of multiple concentration gradients. The complex gradient distribution in the 2D array can be adaptively adjusted by modulating the reactant velocities and concentrations at the inlets. In addition, the unique design of each reaction chamber and mixing block in the array ensures uniform concentrations within each chamber during dynamic changes, enabling large-scale reactions with low reactant volumes. Through detailed numerical simulation of mass transport within the complex microchannel networks, the proposed method allows researchers to determine the desired number of reaction chambers within a given concentration range based on experimental requirements and to quickly obtain the operating conditions with the help of machine learning-based prediction. The effectiveness in generating a multiple concentration gradient environment was further demonstrated by concentration-dependent calcium carbonate crystallization experiments. This device provides a highly efficient mixing and adaptable concentration platform that is well suited for high-throughput and multiplexed reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Qi
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Xuejin Li
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Guoqing Hu
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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Sun H, Xie W, Mo J, Huang Y, Dong H. Deep learning with microfluidics for on-chip droplet generation, control, and analysis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1208648. [PMID: 37351472 PMCID: PMC10282949 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1208648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics has gained widespread attention in recent years due to its advantages of high throughput, high integration, high sensitivity and low power consumption in droplet-based micro-reaction. Meanwhile, with the rapid development of computer technology over the past decade, deep learning architectures have been able to process vast amounts of data from various research fields. Nowadays, interdisciplinarity plays an increasingly important role in modern research, and deep learning has contributed greatly to the advancement of many professions. Consequently, intelligent microfluidics has emerged as the times require, and possesses broad prospects in the development of automated and intelligent devices for integrating the merits of microfluidic technology and artificial intelligence. In this article, we provide a general review of the evolution of intelligent microfluidics and some applications related to deep learning, mainly in droplet generation, control, and analysis. We also present the challenges and emerging opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of High-End Equipment Manufacturing, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wantao Xie
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of High-End Equipment Manufacturing, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin Mo
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of High-End Equipment Manufacturing, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Centre for Experimental Research in Clinical Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui Dong
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of High-End Equipment Manufacturing, Fuzhou, China
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Tsai HF, Podder S, Chen PY. Microsystem Advances through Integration with Artificial Intelligence. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:826. [PMID: 37421059 DOI: 10.3390/mi14040826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics is a rapidly growing discipline that involves studying and manipulating fluids at reduced length scale and volume, typically on the scale of micro- or nanoliters. Under the reduced length scale and larger surface-to-volume ratio, advantages of low reagent consumption, faster reaction kinetics, and more compact systems are evident in microfluidics. However, miniaturization of microfluidic chips and systems introduces challenges of stricter tolerances in designing and controlling them for interdisciplinary applications. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have brought innovation to microfluidics from design, simulation, automation, and optimization to bioanalysis and data analytics. In microfluidics, the Navier-Stokes equations, which are partial differential equations describing viscous fluid motion that in complete form are known to not have a general analytical solution, can be simplified and have fair performance through numerical approximation due to low inertia and laminar flow. Approximation using neural networks trained by rules of physical knowledge introduces a new possibility to predict the physicochemical nature. The combination of microfluidics and automation can produce large amounts of data, where features and patterns that are difficult to discern by a human can be extracted by machine learning. Therefore, integration with AI introduces the potential to revolutionize the microfluidic workflow by enabling the precision control and automation of data analysis. Deployment of smart microfluidics may be tremendously beneficial in various applications in the future, including high-throughput drug discovery, rapid point-of-care-testing (POCT), and personalized medicine. In this review, we summarize key microfluidic advances integrated with AI and discuss the outlook and possibilities of combining AI and microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsieh-Fu Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Keelung City 204, Taiwan
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Soumyajit Podder
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Yuan Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Keelung City 204, Taiwan
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Zhang N, Liang K, Liu Z, Sun T, Wang J. ANN-Based Instantaneous Simulation of Particle Trajectories in Microfluidics. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:2100. [PMID: 36557399 PMCID: PMC9781979 DOI: 10.3390/mi13122100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has shown great potential in cell analysis, where the flowing path in the microfluidic device is important for the final study results. However, the design process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, we proposed an ANN method with three dense layers to analyze particle trajectories at the critical intersections and then put them together with the particle trajectories in straight channels. The results showed that the ANN prediction results are highly consistent with COMSOL simulation results, indicating the applicability of the proposed ANN method. In addition, this method not only shortened the simulation time but also lowered the computational expense, providing a useful tool for researchers who want to receive instant simulation results of particle trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiyin Zhang
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Kaicong Liang
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zhenya Liu
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Junchao Wang
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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