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Real-time and reversible light-actuated microfluidic channel squeezing in dye-doped PDMS
Angelo Angelini1, Ubirajara Agero2, Federico Ferrarese Lupi3
1Nanoscience and Materials Division, Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica, Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Torino, Italy and Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy. francesca.frascella@polito.it.
Azobenzene dyes enable smart microfluidic devices controlled by light. This technology allows precise manipulation of fluid flow through light-stimulated channel deformation, offering advanced control capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microfluidics
- Photonics
Background:
- Azobenzene chromophores are functional dyes with photoresponsive properties.
- Microfluidic devices offer precise fluid control at small scales.
- Developing light-actuated microfluidic systems is an active research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a smart microfluidic device using azobenzene dye-doped PDMS.
- To demonstrate light-induced control over fluid flow in microchannels.
- To explore the potential for precise, light-based actuation of microfluidic systems.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a single-layer microfluidic channel using dye-doped PDMS formulation.
- Application of light stimulus to induce deformation of the microchannel.
- Characterization of fluid flow control based on light intensity, time, and space.
Main Results:
- Successful development of a microfluidic channel responsive to light.
- Demonstration of light-controlled fluid flow actuation via channel squeezing.
- Achieved control over deformation in terms of time, space, and intensity.
Conclusions:
- Azobenzene dye-doped PDMS is a viable material for light-actuated smart microfluidic devices.
- Light stimulus provides a versatile method for controlling microfluidic flow.
- Future work includes using structured light for parallel and real-time flow manipulation.
