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On-demand microfluidic mixing by actuating integrated magnetic microwalls.
Stef Broeren1, Inês Figueiredo Pereira1,2, Tongsheng Wang1,2
1Mechanical Engineering Department, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. y.wang2@tue.nl.
Lab on a Chip
|February 9, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel on-demand micromixer using magnetic microwalls. These microwalls can be switched on or off to control fluid mixing in microfluidic devices, offering versatile application potential.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Passive and active micromixers exist but often lack on-demand control.
- Existing active mixers may not fully disable mixing or have complex requirements.
- Controlling mixing on-demand is crucial for many microfluidic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an on-demand micromixer with controllable mixing states.
- To demonstrate a micromixer based on actuated magnetic microwalls.
- To integrate easily with commercial microfluidic devices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of magnetic microwalls using replica micromoulding.
- Integration of microwalls into commercial microfluidic devices (e.g., ibidi® 3-in-1 μ-Slide).
- Actuation of microwalls between 'on' (mixing) and 'off' (no mixing) states using a simple magnet.
Main Results:
- Microwalls create a meandering path when 'on', enhancing mixing.
- Activating microwalls increases path length and utilizes inertia effects for mixing.
- Effective mixing enhancement demonstrated across various fluid viscosities and flow rates.
Conclusions:
- The magnetic microwall micromixer provides on-demand control over fluid mixing.
- The design is easily integrated and operates effectively under diverse conditions.
- This technology expands the applicability of microfluidic devices requiring controlled mixing.
