Manipulating Liquids with Shaped Acoustic Fields – Applications In Medical Diagnostics and Drug Delivery
Jonathan Cooper,
Wolfson Professor and University Vice Principal,
Glasgow University
Recently, pressure driven flow through the use of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) has attracted much attention. To better control the nature of the acoustic field when using SAWs, we have introduced the concept of using frequency dependent periodic arrays known as phononic crystals within microfluidics. In doing so, we have enabled new "acoustic holograms" that result in waveguiding, reflectors, bandgaps and lenses, that shape the ultrasonic field and create new microfluidic flows. We are able to demonstrate how we can create interesting new fluidic phenomena including the creation of liquid lenses, enabling the imaging of nanoparticles, including viruses, using a mobile phone camera. This level of precise control over liquid flows has also opened up other fields of study including new applications in drug delivery and diagnostics.
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