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Nano-engineered living bacterial motors for active microfluidic mixing
M Al-Fandi1, M A K Jaradat, K Fandi
1Jordan University of Science and Technology, Mechanical Engineering Department, Irbid, Jordan. mohamed_alfandi@just.edu.jo
IET Nanobiotechnology
|August 24, 2010
Summary
This study introduces tethered bacteria as micro-mixers, overcoming challenges in miniaturizing active micromixers. Rotating Escherichia coli (E. coli) effectively circulate particles, demonstrating a novel bio-hybrid approach for microfluidic mixing.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Biotechnology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Active micromixers with rotating elements offer efficient mixing but face miniaturization challenges.
- Conventional impeller designs are difficult to fabricate and drive at micro-scales.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate the use of tethered, rotating bacteria as a novel micro-mixing element.
- To overcome the fabrication and driving challenges associated with traditional micromixer designs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized tethered, genetically engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) as rotating micro-mixers.
- Employed videomicroscopy and image analysis for flow visualization.
- Applied computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyze fluid dynamics.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that a tethered E. coli rotating at ~240 rpm can move a 1 µm bead at ~4 µm/s.
- CFD simulations revealed fluid velocities up to 37 µm/s near the rotating bacterium.
- Calculated a Peclet number (Peb) of ~4 and a Strouhal number (St) of ~2.
Conclusions:
- Tethered bacteria represent a viable, bio-hybrid alternative for active micromixing.
- This approach offers a potential solution for local, disposable microfluidic mixing applications.
