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Fast three dimensional ac electro-osmotic pumps with nonphotolithographic electrode patterning
1University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40208, USA.
Biomicrofluidics
|August 11, 2010
Summary
Three dimensional stepped electrodes enhance AC electro-osmotic (ACEO) pumps. A new, faster fabrication method using injection molding creates disposable ACEO pumps with similar flow velocities.
Area of Science:
- Electrokinetics
- Microfluidics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Three dimensional (3D) stepped electrodes significantly enhance AC electro-osmotic (ACEO) pump performance, improving flow rate and frequency range over planar electrodes.
- Conventional fabrication of 3D stepped electrodes for ACEO pumps is complex and involves multiple processing steps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a faster and more cost-effective method for fabricating 3D electrodes for ACEO pumps.
- To adapt the fabrication method for disposable ACEO devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized shadowed evaporation of metal onto an injection-moldable insulating substrate.
- Fabricated 3D stepped electrodes for ACEO pumps using this streamlined technique.
Main Results:
- Achieved fabrication of 3D ACEO pumps through a faster and less expensive method.
- Demonstrated flow velocities in the fabricated 3D ACEO pumps comparable to those achieved with previous, more complex methods.
Conclusions:
- The new fabrication method enables efficient production of 3D ACEO pumps suitable for disposable applications.
- This approach simplifies the manufacturing process for 3D ACEO devices, maintaining high performance.
