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Microparticle separation using asymmetrical induced-charge electro-osmotic vortices on an arc-edge-based floating
Xiaoming Chen1, Yukun Ren, Likai Hou
1School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China. rykhit@hit.edu.cn.
The Analyst
|July 26, 2019
Summary
This study introduces a microfluidic device using asymmetrical induced-charge electro-osmosis vortices for particle separation. The device achieves high-purity separation of particles based on density and size using controlled electrical fields.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Electrokinetics
- Particle Separation
Background:
- Traditional particle separation methods face limitations in efficiency and gentleness.
- Asymmetrical induced-charge electro-osmosis (AICEO) offers a novel approach for manipulating microparticles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a microfluidic device for particle separation utilizing AICEO vortices.
- To demonstrate density- and size-based separation capabilities of the developed AICEO microfluidic system.
Main Methods:
- Designing a microfluidic chip with arc-shaped gaps on a bipolar electrode to generate AICEO vortices.
- Utilizing voltage-controlled AICEO vortices to deflect particles based on their buoyancy, density, and size.
- Numerical analysis and experimental verification using silica, PMMA particles, and yeast cells.
Main Results:
- Particles are deflected left or right based on AICEO vortex direction and levitation force overcoming buoyancy.
- Successful density-based separation of 4 μm silica and PMMA particles was achieved.
- Size-based separation of multi-sized yeast cells demonstrated, with extracted cells achieving 96% purity.
- Increased voltage allowed for separation of heavier/larger particles.
Conclusions:
- The developed AICEO microfluidic device effectively separates particles based on density and size.
- The method offers gentle, contact-free, high-sensitivity, and high-efficiency particle separation.
- Potential applications include microalgal lipid transesterification and solar cell processing.
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