Abstract

Bio-Inspired Microfluidic Flow Control for Lab-on-a-Chip

Jaap Toonder, Professor, Eindhoven University Of Technology

Control of fluid flow at small length scales (typically < 1 mm) i.e. “microfluidics”, is important for many applications. Examples are Lab-on-a-Chip devices for healthcare diagnostics, in which complex tasks of (bio-)fluid manipulation and detection need to be performed. We are developing new technologies for active control of microfluidic flow. In doing this, we are inspired by nature in which a variety of microfluidic manipulation principles can be recognized. In this talk, I will show:

• Artificial cilia: biomimetic micro-actuators inspired by natural cilia, which are microscopic hairs covering the surface of micro-organisms like paramecium, providing propulsion
• Evaporation + capillary driven micropumping, inspired by fluid transport in plants and trees
• Static and dynamic surface topographies for fluid mixing and droplet manipulation, based on responsive materials, and inspired by bio-surfaces of lotus leaves and sharks