Constant flow-driven microfluidic oscillator for different duty cycles.
This paper presents microfluidic devices that autonomously convert two constant flow inputs into an alternating oscillatory flow output. We accomplish this hardware embedded self-control programming using normally closed membrane valves that have an inlet, an outlet, and a membrane-pressurization chamber connected to a third terminal. Adjustment of threshold opening pressures in these 3-terminal flow switching valves enabled adjustment of oscillation periods to between 57 and 360 s with duty cycles of 0.2-0.5. These values are in relatively good agreement with theoretical values, providing the way for rational design of an even wider range of different waveform oscillations. We also demonstrate the ability to use these oscillators to perform temporally patterned delivery of chemicals to living cells. The device only needs a syringe pump, thus removing the use of complex, expensive external actuators. These tunable waveform microfluidic oscillators are envisioned to facilitate cell-based studies that require temporal stimulation.
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.
Sung-Jin
SJ
Kim
Ryuji
R
Yokokawa
Sasha Cai
SC
Lesher-Perez
Shuichi
S
Takayama
D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004867:Equipment Design; D017022:Flow Injection Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D051379:Mice; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000166:cytology*
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes