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Viscometry of single nanoliter-volume droplets using dynamic force spectroscopy
Manhee Lee1, Bongsu Kim1, QHwan Kim1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-747, Korea. whjhe@snu.ac.kr.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|October 7, 2016
Summary
This study presents a new atomic force microscope method for measuring the viscosity of nanoliter-scale liquid drops. The technique overcomes surface effects, enabling accurate viscosity determination for medical and biological applications.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Viscometry of minute liquid amounts is crucial for medical diagnosis and biological assays.
- Existing microrheological techniques struggle with surface effects at the nanoliter scale.
- Accurate viscosity measurement of small volumes remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for determining the viscosity of nanoliter-scale Newtonian fluids.
- To overcome the limitations imposed by surface effects in microrheology.
- To provide a quantitative and unambiguous methodology for nanoliter viscometry.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing an atomic force microscope-based platform.
- Measuring the negative-valued shear elasticity of single sessile drops.
- Leveraging the retarded fluidic response within the drop to circumvent interfacial effects.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated viscosity measurement of single, 1-nanoliter Newtonian fluid drops.
- The method is independent of liquid-boundary effects like surface tension and contact angle.
- The platform requires only ~1 nanoliter of sample, significantly less than previous methods.
Conclusions:
- The developed platform offers a robust solution for nanoliter-scale viscometry.
- This technique provides a quantitative and unambiguous approach for analyzing minute liquid volumes.
- The method has broad implications for microfluidics, medical diagnostics, and biological assays.
