Self-cleaning and mixing microfluidic elements
AssigneeCFD Research Corporation
InventorsSivaramakrishnan Krishnamoorthy, Jianiun Feng
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for mixing and self-cleaning elements in microfluidic systems based on electrothermally induced fluid flow. The apparatus and methods provide for the control of fluid flow in and between components in a microfluidic system to cause the removal of unwanted liquids and particulates or mixing of liquids. The geometry and position of electrodes is adjusted to generate a temperature gradient in the liquid, thereby causing a non-uniform distribution of dielectric properties within the liquid. The dielectric non-uniformity produces a body force and flow in the solution, which is controlled by element and electrode geometries, electrode placement, and the frequency and waveform of the applied voltage.
Claims12
A self-cleaning or mixing element for a microdevice comprising:
- a) a first component in fluid communication with an adjoining second component and
- b) at least one pair of electrically coupled electrodes wherein:
- (i) the first electrode of the at least one electrode pair is located entirely on an interior surface of the first component,
- (ii) the second electrode of the at least one electrode pair is located entirely on an interior surface of the second component different from said first component,
- (iii) the interior surfaces of the two components on which the electrodes are located join to form a wedge region having an angle θ, and
- (iv) the first and second components are microfluidic components independently selected from the group consisting of a cavity, a channel, a pump, a sensor, a separator, a pre-concentrator, a reaction chamber, an interconnector, and a mixer.
A method for cleaning one or more components in a microfluidic device comprising:
- applying a controlled electric field to at least one pair of electrically coupled electrodes to produce electrothermal flow within a liquid in at least one of adjoining first and second components wherein:
- (i) the first electrode of the at least one electrode pair is located entirely on an interior surface of the first component,
- (ii) the second electrode of the at least one electrode pair is located entirely on an interior surface of the second component,
- (iii) the interior surfaces of the first and second components on which the electrodes are located join to form a wedge region having an angle θ,
- (iv) one or more buffer solutions are present the first and second components, and
- (v) said first and second components contain said liquid and are microfluidic components independently selected from the group consisting of a cavity, a channel, a pump, a sensor, a separator, a pre-concentrator, a reaction chamber, an interconnector, and a mixer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.