Influence of surface tension-driven network parameters on backflow strength.

ABSTRACT: Surface tension-driven flow is widely used, owing to its spontaneous motion, in microfluidic devices with single channel structures. However, when multiple channels are used, unwanted backflow often occurs. This prevents precise and sophisticated solution flow, but has been rarely characterized. We hypothesize that, with an analytical model, the parameters that influence backflow can be systematically characterized to minimize the backflow. In a microfluidic network, inlet menisci and channels are modeled as variable pressure sources and fluidic conductors, respectively. Through the model and experiment, the influence of each network element on the backflow strength is studied. Backflow strength is affected by the interplay of multiple inlet-channel elements. With the decrease (increase) o

SUBMITTER: Lee Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9062321 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature