title: Analysis of 3D multi-layer microfluidic gradient generator.
abstract: We developed a three-dimensional (3D) simple multi-layer microfluidic gradient generator to create molecular gradients on the centimeter scale with a wide range of flow rates. To create the concentration gradients, a main channel (MC) was orthogonally intersected with vertical side microchannel (SC) in a 3D multi-layer microfluidic device. Through sequential dilution from the SC, a spatial gradient was generated in the MC. Two theoretical models were created to assist in the design of the 3D multi-layer microfluidic gradient generator and to compare its performance against a two-dimensional equivalent. A first mass balance model was used to predict the steady-state concentrations reached, while a second computational fluid dynamic model was employed to predict spatial development of the gradient by considering convective as well as diffusive mass transport. Furthermore, the theoretical simulations were verified through experiments to create molecular gradients in a 3D multi-layer microfluidic gradient generator.
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Jang Ho
authors: JH
authors: Ha
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Tae Hyeon
authors: TH
authors: Kim
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Jong Min
authors: JM
authors: Lee
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Christian D
authors: CD
authors: Ahrberg
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Bong Geun
authors: BG
authors: Chung
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D008962:Models, Theoretical
keywords: Computational simulation; Gradient generator; Multi-layer microfluidic device