Imbibition in porous membranes of complex shape: quasi-stationary flow in thin rectangular segments.
The sustained liquid flow of a typical lateral flow assay can be mimicked by two-dimensional shaped, thin porous membranes, specifically rectangular membranes appended to circular sectors. In designing these fan-shaped devices, we have been aided by analytical equations and finite-element simulations. We show both mathematically and experimentally how a continuous increase in unwetted pore volume causes a deviation from traditional imbibition, and leads to quasi-stationary flow in the rectangular element. These results are both theoretically and practically important because they indicate how medical diagnostic test strips may be fabricated without incorporating an absorbent pad.
Center for Biomedical Engineering, and Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA.
Sergio
S
Mendez
Erin M
EM
Fenton
Gil R
GR
Gallegos
Dimiter N
DN
Petsev
Scott S
SS
Sibbett
Howard A
HA
Stone
Yi
Y
Zhang
Gabriel P
GP
López
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D016062:Porosity; D017155:Wettability
D008567:Membranes, Artificial