Microfluidic device for sheathless particle focusing and separation using a viscoelastic fluid
Jeonghun Nam1, Bumseok Namgung1, Chwee Teck Lim2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117575, Singapore.
Journal of Chromatography. A
|July 1, 2015
Summary
This study presents a novel microfluidic device for highly efficient, sheathless particle separation. The device achieves ~99.9% separation efficiency using viscoelasticity-induced particle migration in non-Newtonian fluids.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microfluidics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Continuous sheathless particle separation is critical for biochemical analyses and clinical diagnostics.
- Existing methods often face challenges with efficiency and complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microfluidic device for highly efficient, sheathless particle separation.
- To utilize viscoelasticity-induced particle migration in non-Newtonian fluids for precise separation.
Main Methods:
- A two-stage microfluidic device was designed: sheathless three-dimensional focusing and separation.
- The device employs an elasticity-dominant non-Newtonian fluid.
- Particle separation is based on viscoelasticity-induced lateral migration.
Main Results:
- Achieved sheathless three-dimensional focusing of 5- and 10-μm particles at the channel centerline.
- Demonstrated highly efficient separation (~99.9%) based on particle size and viscoelastic effects.
- Successfully separated blood cells into multiple fractions, showcasing device versatility.
Conclusions:
- The proposed microfluidic device offers a highly efficient and sheathless solution for particle separation.
- Viscoelasticity-induced particle migration provides precise control for size-based separation.
- The system's tunability allows for separation of various particle sizes by adjusting fluid properties and flow rates.
