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Flexible Microswimmer Manipulation in Multiple Microfluidic Systems Utilizing Thermal Buoyancy-Capillary Convection
Kailiang Zhang1, Yukun Ren1,2, Meiying Zhao1
1School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China.
Analytical Chemistry
|January 7, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for precise microswimmer control using thermal convection in microfluidic systems. The technique allows for flexible manipulation of microswimmers for applications like cargo delivery and sensing.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Soft Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Precise control of microswimmers is crucial for various applications, including targeted drug delivery and micro-scale sensing.
- Existing methods for microswimmer manipulation often lack flexibility and accuracy in complex microfluidic environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a versatile method for controlling microswimmer movement in microfluidic devices.
- To investigate the manipulation of different types of microswimmers (polystyrene, butyl acrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate) at various interfaces (solid-liquid, gas-liquid, liquid-liquid).
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a microfluidic device with four microheaters to create thermal buoyancy-capillary convection.
- Adjusting DC signals to control convection flow intensity and direction for microswimmer manipulation.
- Employing Stokes drag to drive granular samples to desired positions.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated flexible migration of polystyrene (PS) microswimmers along geometrical patterns with velocity dependent on voltage.
- Showcased opposite migration of butyl acrylate (BA) microswimmers compared to PS swimmers and achieved 360° directional control.
- Successfully manipulated trimethylolpropane triacrylate microswimmers at liquid-liquid interfaces, highlighting the method's multifunctionality.
Conclusions:
- The proposed thermal convection method offers effective and flexible control of microswimmers in multiple microfluidic systems.
- This technique shows significant promise for applications requiring precise granular sample control, such as advanced cargo delivery and sensitive detection systems.
