Mathematical modeling and computational analysis of centrifugal microfluidic platforms: a review

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• Biotechnology
• Computational Science

Background:

• Centrifugal microfluidic platforms, or lab-on-discs (LODs), are increasingly vital for automating biological and chemical assays.
• Current LOD designs often prioritize experimental results over theoretical underpinnings, limiting optimization.
• A gap exists in comprehensive reviews focusing on the theoretical and computational aspects of LOD technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the urgent need for a review focused on theoretical and computational studies of lab-on-discs (LODs).
• To categorize existing computational research on LODs and present governing equations and formulas.
• To provide a scaling analysis to aid in understanding competing forces within LOD devices.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and categorization of previous computational studies on LOD devices.
• Presentation and explanation of governing equations and key formulas for different flow regimes.
• Introduction of a scaling analysis for comparing forces in microfluidic systems.

Main Results:

• Computational LOD studies are classified into single-phase flows, two-phase flows, network simulation, and solids.
• Essential theoretical frameworks and mathematical models relevant to LOD operation are detailed.
• A practical scaling analysis is provided to assist researchers in evaluating forces at small scales.

Conclusions:

• Theoretical analysis is crucial for efficient and cost-effective LOD design and understanding complex microfluidic phenomena.
• This review consolidates theoretical knowledge, identifies research gaps, and highlights areas needing further computational investigation.
• The provided framework and analysis aim to guide future theoretical work and advance LOD technology.