Abstract

Microfluidic Flow Control for LOAC: Bio-Inspired Engineering

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 devices for healthcare diagnostics, in which complex tasks of (bio-)fluid manipulation and detection need to be performed; organ-on-a-chip devices in which suitable micro-environments for multicellular tissue structures need to be  created; water quality monitoring chips for continuous detection of bacteria, algae and chemicals; and manipulation of fluids droplets over surfaces.

We are developing new technologies for active control of microfluidic flow in these applications. In doing this, we are inspired by nature in which a variety of microfluidic manipulation principles can be recognized. In this colloquium, I will show:

1.    artificial cilia: biomimetic micro-actuators inspired by natural cilia, which are microscopic hairs covering the surface of micro-organisms like paramecium, providing propulsion;
2.    evaporation + capillary driven micropumping, inspired by fluid transport in plants and trees;
3.    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.

I will present the basic ideas, the materials and processes developed to translate the ideas into a technology, and the microfluidic flow control they make possible.