Reconfigurable microfluidics: real-time shaping of virtual channels through hydrodynamic forces

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• Biotechnology
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Traditional microfluidic devices have fixed designs that limit their functionality.
• Dynamic control over fluid flow paths is crucial for advanced microfluidic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and demonstrate the concept of microfluidic "virtual channels" that can be dynamically shaped in real-time.
• To showcase the versatility of virtual channels in replicating essential microfluidic functions.

Main Methods:

• Formation of dynamic flow paths (virtual channels) within a microfluidic flow cell using hydrodynamic forces.
• Application of virtual channels on standard biological substrates like glass slides.
• Demonstration of sequential immunodetection and alternating local/global cell processing.

Main Results:

• Virtual channels successfully guided reagent trajectories and reproduced functions like liquid transport, splitting, merging, and mixing.
• Demonstrated successful sequential immunodetection on arrays of reaction sites.
• Showcased alternating between local and global processing of surface-adherent cell sections.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidic virtual channels offer a paradigm shift by decoupling device design from functionality.
• This simple, versatile, and generic approach enables real-time dynamic control of microfluidic processes.
• Virtual channels pave the way for a new generation of adaptable microfluidic techniques.