Microfluidics and small volume mixing based on redox magnetohydrodynamics methods
AssigneeBoard of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, N.A.
InventorsIngrid Fritsch, Christopher S. Carter, Zoraida P. Aguilar
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Abstract
Microfluidic channels utilizing magnetohydrodynamics are used to pump very small volumes of solution. The channels have electrodes along the walls of the channel and a current carrying species within the solution carries the current through the solution. The electric field generated by the use of the current carrying species is perpendicular to a magnetic field applied to the channel. The combination of the electric and magnetic fields causes the solution to flow through the channel.
Claims23
A microfluidic device comprising:
- at least one microfluidic channel;
- at least two electrodes creating an electric field within the at least one channel;
- a magnetic field within the channel and perpendicular to the electric field;
- a solution having a current carrying species;
- wherein the electric field and the magnetic field induce the solution to flow in a direction perpendicular to both the electric field and the magnetic field.
A method for constructing a microfluidic device comprising:
- cutting at least one channel into a first piece of ceramic tape;
- forming at least two electrodes in the at least one channel;
- screen printing circuits onto a second piece of ceramic tape;
- inserting the first piece of ceramic tape between the second piece of ceramic tape and a third piece of ceramic tape such that the circuits allow electric current to be applied to the electrodes;
- and,
- co-firing the first, second and third pieces of ceramic tape together.
A method for pumping a solution comprising:
- adding a current carrying species to the solution;
- applying an electric field to the solution;
- and,
- applying a magnetic field to the solution, wherein the magnetic field is perpendicular to the electric field and perpendicular to the desired direction of flow of the solution.
A microfluidic device for performing assays comprising:
- at least one assay structure having at least two electrodes;
- and
- at least one conduit for applying a sample to the assay structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.