Particle Tracking and Micromixing Performance Characterization with a Mobile Device

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• Chemical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Characterizing mixing in microfluidic devices is crucial for optimizing reactions and processes.
• Existing methods often focus on two-inlet systems, limiting their applicability to multi-reagent scenarios.
• A need exists for robust methods to evaluate mixing efficiency in complex microfluidic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel particle tracking-based methodology for characterizing mixing in microfluidic devices.
• To present a free, open-source mobile application (MIQUOD) for implementing this methodology.
• To propose a new mixing index for particles (m_p) suitable for multi-reagent systems.

Main Methods:

• Particle tracking algorithm implemented on an Android mobile application (MIQUOD).
• Numerical simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics for validation.
• Experimental testing on 2D split-and-recombine and 3D sinusoidal groove micromixers with multi-colored microparticles.
• Evaluation of eleven performance metrics using concentration and particle track data.

Main Results:

• The MIQUOD application successfully characterizes mixing performance across various Reynolds numbers and geometrical features.
• The proposed particle tracking method provides an alternative to traditional intensity-based homogeneity measurements.
• A new particle-based mixing index (m_p) was developed and validated for multi-reagent mixing scenarios.

Conclusions:

• The developed particle tracking methodology and MIQUOD application offer a versatile tool for microfluidic mixing characterization.
• The new mixing index (m_p) effectively quantifies mixing performance in complex multi-inlet systems.
• This approach enhances the ability to design and optimize microfluidic devices for diverse chemical and biological applications.