Engineering and analysis of surface interactions in a microfluidic herringbone micromixer.
We developed a computational model and theoretical framework to investigate the geometrical optimization of particle-surface interactions in a herringbone micromixer. The enhancement of biomolecule- and particle-surface interactions in microfluidic devices through mixing and streamline disruption holds promise for a variety of applications. This analysis provides guidelines for optimizing the frequency and specific location of surface interactions based on the flow pattern and relative hydraulic resistance between a groove and the effective channel. The channel bottom, i.e., channel surface between grooves, was identified as the dominant location for surface contact. In addition, geometries that decrease the groove-to-channel hydraulic resistance improve contact with the channel top. Thus, herringbone mixers appear useful for a variety of surface-interaction applications, yet they have largely not been employed in an optimized fashion.
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Biochemical Science Division, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
Thomas P
TP
Forbes
Jason G
JG
Kralj
D003198:Computer Simulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D057446:Hydrodynamics; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008954:Models, Biological; D008956:Models, Chemical; D013499:Surface Properties