Air bubble removal: Wettability contrast enabled microfluidic interconnects
Xiaoxiao Zhao1,2, Chenbo Ma1, Daniel S Park2
1College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, Jiangsu, PR China.
Sensors and Actuators. B, Chemical
|May 25, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel surface engineering method to eliminate air bubbles in microfluidic devices. By creating a sharp wettability contrast, air bubbles are filtered out, improving device reliability and preventing cell damage.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Surface Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Air bubbles in microfluidic devices cause pressure fluctuations, potentially damaging cells and impairing device function.
- Overcoming surface tension forces is critical for air bubble removal at the microscale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and effective strategy for eliminating air bubbles in microfluidic systems.
- To engineer microfluidic interconnects with a sharp wettability contrast to manage fluid flow and prevent bubble ingress.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of microfluidic port-to-port interconnects with superhydrophobic peripheries and hydrophilic inner channels.
- Utilizing the wettability contrast to guide fluid entry and filter air bubbles.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated consistent air bubble elimination across various flow rates and liquid analytes.
- The strategy effectively filters air bubbles at port-to-port gaps due to wettability differences.
Conclusions:
- A novel wettability contrast strategy provides a simple, effective method for air bubble removal in microfluidics.
- This approach offers an alternative to complex, equipment-intensive bubble removal techniques.
