Microfluidic mixers: from microfabricated to self-assembling devices.

Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.

Published: May 2004

AI Article Synopsis

  • The paper surveys recent developments in both passive and active microfluidic mixers.
  • It introduces a micromixing device that uses dynamic self-assembly, highlighting its ease of fabrication and effective performance in continuous-flow scenarios.
  • The conclusion touches on potential applications for self-assembly techniques in the field of microfluidics.

Article Abstract

This paper begins with a survey of both passive and active microfluidic mixers that have been implemented in recent years. It then describes a micromixing device based on dynamic self-assembly. This device is easy to fabricate and has excellent working characteristics in the continuous-flow mode. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of possible applications of self-assembly in microfluidics.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2003.1363DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

microfluidic mixers
8
mixers microfabricated
4
microfabricated self-assembling
4
self-assembling devices
4
devices paper
4
paper survey
4
survey passive
4
passive active
4
active microfluidic
4
mixers implemented
4

Similar Publications

Article Synopsis
  • Microfluidic channel systems have diverse biomedical applications such as drug delivery and cell culture, with 3D systems providing advanced capabilities to mimic biological processes effectively.
  • The study explores a smart additive manufacturing technique to simplify the creation of these channels, using a 3D printed mold to bypass complicated bonding methods while incorporating dual mixing stages to optimize gradient outcomes.
  • Optimization techniques revealed that specific channel dimensions and flow rates can significantly improve performance, resulting in low production costs of only 1.42 USD per channel.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Despite the numerous advantages demonstrated by microfluidic mixing for RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticle (RNA-LNP) production over bulk methods, such as precise size control, homogeneous distributions, higher encapsulation efficiencies, and improved reproducibility, their translation from research to commercial manufacturing remains elusive. A persistent challenge hindering the adoption of microfluidics for LNP production is the fouling of device surfaces during prolonged operation, which significantly diminishes performance and reliability. The complexity of LNP constituents, including lipids, cholesterol, RNA, and solvent mixtures, makes it difficult to find a single coating that can prevent fouling.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Consistent Evaluation Methods for Microfluidic Mixers.

Micromachines (Basel)

October 2024

Institute for Sensor and Actuator Technology, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Am Hofbräuhaus 1B, 96450 Coburg, Germany.

The study presents a unifying methodology for characterizing micromixers, integrating both experimental and simulation techniques. Focusing on Dean mixer designs, it employs an optical evaluation for experiments and a modified Sobolev norm for simulations, yielding a unified dimensionless characteristic parameter for the whole mixer at a given Reynolds number. The results demonstrate consistent mixing performance trends across both methods for various operation points.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • - Chemotherapy is a key method for treating tumors, but personalizing treatment is still difficult, prompting research into better techniques.
  • - A new microfluidic chip was developed, utilizing herringbone structures and 3D microcolumn holes to control tumor cell spheroid size and promote growth through enhanced mixing.
  • - This innovative chip successfully assessed patients' tumor cell drug sensitivities, aligning with clinical outcomes, highlighting its potential for improving drug evaluation and personalized cancer therapies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

All-inorganic cesium lead halide perovskites have garnered significant attention owing to their favorable optical properties. Microfluidics-based acoustic mixers are capable of achieving rapid nucleation and ultrafast growth kinetics. Nevertheless, conventional acoustic mixers rely on the response of microstructures to the acoustic field for mixing fluids, the majority of these disturbances occur in the central region of the channel, with minimal impact on the fluid within the side walls.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!