An automated microdroplet passive pumping platform for high-speed and packeted microfluidic flow applications

Abstract

Surface tension driven passive pumping is a microfluidic technology that uses the surface tension present in small droplets to generate flow. To enhance the potential of this type of passive pumping, a new 'micro passive pumping' technique has been developed that allows for high throughput fluidic delivery by combining passive pumping with a small droplet-based fluidic ejection system. Flow rates of up to four milliliters per minute (mL/min) were achieved that are solely limited by the channel geometry and droplet size. Fluid exchange rates can be performed within tens of milliseconds (ms) by delivering fluids from multiple nozzles. The technique can be extended to a multitude of platforms, as channels are not pressurized and therefore do not require bonding to a substrate. This technique provides a novel flow control for high-speed and packeted flow applications without requiring external tubing connections or substrate bonding.

Multiphysics simulation of a microfluidic perfusion chamber for brain slice physiology

“…Therefore, passive pumping method provides precise control over fluid delivery and eliminates the need for tubing, connectors, and pumps. However, if longer stimulating time windows are required, then multiple passive pumping injections of the same chemical compound are difficult without adapting complex pulsing methods (Resto et al 2010 ) and constant fluid pumping with standard perfusion setups may prove simpler.…”

Advances in passively driven microfluidics and lab-on-chip devices: a comprehensive literature review and patent analysis

“…Resto et al provided a clear idea of both theoretical and practical aspects of the pumping and the contact angle to achieve the maximum ow rate. 102 The surface tension caused a pressure difference in the channel to induce uid ow from the inlet to the outlet. Equilibrium of pressure in the channel led to the immediate arrest of the inow.…”

Influence of surface tension-driven network parameters on backflow strength

“…Indeed, the studies that reported backows even in single channel systems had Re > 10, owing to large channel size and high inlet pressure driven by repeated injection of small drops. [26][27][28][29] In addition, we used a solution containing food dye with the same concentration (3.6% by weight). Thus, there was no ow induced by concentration gradient.…”