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Updated: Jul 27, 2026
18:11
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Published on: October 1, 2007
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Multimodal Manipulation of Particles Based on Optothermal Controlled Marangoni Convection in Dynamic Microfluidics.
Fengya Lu1, Liangcun He1, Tong Li1
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|September 11, 2025
Summary
Optothermal Marangoni convection enables precise particle manipulation in dynamic microfluidic systems. This study extends its application beyond static environments, offering enhanced control and efficiency for complex flow fields.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Optical Manipulation
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Optical manipulation techniques face limitations in driving force and working range.
- Optothermal Marangoni convection offers advantages like a wide working range and strong driving force for particle manipulation.
- Existing research primarily focuses on static environments, neglecting dynamic flow fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate particle manipulation using optothermal Marangoni convection in dynamic flow fields.
- To develop and characterize manipulation schemes for complex microfluidic environments.
- To explore real-time flow field modulation for versatile particle control.
Main Methods:
- Combined simulation and experimental approaches.
- Systematic characterization of flow field profiles and particle trajectories under coupled optothermal-flow control.
- Laser spot positioning for real-time microchannel flow modulation.
Main Results:
- Developed manipulation schemes with an extended working range (>20 μm) and multiparticle capacity.
- Achieved versatile multimodal particle control including trapping, assembly, and migration.
- Demonstrated real-time flow field modulation in microchannels.
Conclusions:
- Optothermal Marangoni convection shows significant potential for microfluidic applications.
- This method offers a novel approach for dynamic flow field regulation.
- High-efficiency on-chip particle manipulation is achievable in complex flow fields.
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