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Thermal Measurement Techniques in Analytical Microfluidic Devices
Published on: June 3, 2015
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Focusing manipulation of microalgae in a microfluidic device using self-produced macromolecules
Min Jung Kim1, Jae Ryoun Youn, Young Seok Song
1Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea. jaeryoun@snu.ac.kr.
Lab on a Chip
|March 7, 2018
Summary
Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) from microalgae exhibit unique non-Newtonian fluid properties. These properties enable efficient particle focusing in microfluidic devices, offering novel applications for biomass resources.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microfluidics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) are complex biopolymers found in bacterial biofilms, primarily composed of polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids.
- EPSs possess unique rheological properties, including long relaxation times, due to their intricate structures, differentiating them from synthetic polymers.
- Microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris, also produce EPSs, representing a potential source of valuable biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the non-Newtonian rheological behavior of EPSs extracted from Chlorella vulgaris.
- To explore the application of these microalgae-derived EPSs for particle focusing in microfluidic systems.
- To evaluate the potential of EPSs as a sustainable resource for advanced material applications.
Main Methods:
- Extraction and chemical characterization of EPSs from Chlorella vulgaris.
- Rheological analysis to determine the non-Newtonian fluid properties of the EPSs.
- Implementation of a microfluidic device to demonstrate cell and particle focusing using the EPSs.
Main Results:
- EPSs from Chlorella vulgaris demonstrated significant non-Newtonian behavior.
- The microalgae exhibited a 'self-ordering' phenomenon within their secreted EPSs.
- The EPSs enabled highly effective particle focusing across a broad spectrum of flow rates in microchannels.
Conclusions:
- Microalgae-derived EPSs possess exploitable rheological characteristics suitable for microfluidic applications.
- EPSs can serve as an effective medium for particle focusing, offering an alternative to conventional methods.
- This research highlights a promising pathway for utilizing biomass-derived resources like EPSs in technological advancements.
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