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A Microfluidic-based Hydrodynamic Trap for Single Particles
Published on: January 21, 2011
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Acoustofluidic particle trapping, manipulation, and release using dynamic-mode cantilever sensors
Blake N Johnson1, Raj Mutharasan2
1Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. bnj@vt.edu.
The Analyst
|November 24, 2016
Summary
Dynamic-mode cantilever sensors achieve acoustofluidic fluid mixing and particle manipulation. Mode switching allows rapid trapping, manipulation, and release of micro-particles in liquid for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Acoustofluidics
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Piezoelectric cantilever sensors are explored for dynamic applications.
- Acoustic streaming and modal mechanics are key phenomena in cantilever-based systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate resonant modes of piezoelectric cantilever sensors for acoustofluidic applications.
- To demonstrate fluid mixing, particle trapping, manipulation, and release using dynamic cantilever modes.
Main Methods:
- Investigated resonant modes (0-8 MHz) of piezoelectric cantilever sensors.
- Utilized sensor impedance response, flow visualization (dye, 100 μm tracers), and finite element simulations.
- Analyzed acoustic streaming and cantilever modal mechanics.
Main Results:
- Fluid mixing and particle trapping configurations are dependent on resonant mode shapes.
- Trapped micro-particles were rapidly manipulated over millimeter scales.
- Particle release was achieved by switching between low (<250 kHz) and high (>1 MHz) resonant modes.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic-mode cantilevers offer effective acoustofluidic fluid mixing and particle manipulation.
- Mode switching provides a mechanism for controlled trapping and release of micro-particles.
- These findings suggest potential for cantilevers in separations, pumping, mixing, and sensing applications.
