Inertial flow focusing: a case study in optimizing cellular trajectory through a microfluidic MEMS device for timing-critical applications.

TitleInertial flow focusing: a case study in optimizing cellular trajectory through a microfluidic MEMS device for timing-critical applications.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsPatterson LHC, Walker JL, Naivar MA, Rodriguez-Mesa E, Hoonejani MR, Shields K, Foster JS, Doyle AM, Valentine MT, Foster KL
JournalBiomed Microdevices
Volume22
Issue3
Pagination52
Date Published2020 08 08
ISSN1572-8781
Abstract

Although microfluidic micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) are well suited to investigate the effects of mechanical force on large populations of cells, their high-throughput capabilities cannot be fully leveraged without optimizing the experimental conditions of the fluid and particles flowing through them. Parameters such as flow velocity and particle size are known to affect the trajectories of particles in microfluidic systems and have been studied extensively, but the effects of temperature and buffer viscosity are not as well understood. In this paper, we explored the effects of these parameters on the timing of our own cell-impact device, the μHammer, by first tracking the velocity of polystyrene beads through the device and then visualizing the impact of these beads. Through these assays, we find that the timing of our device is sensitive to changes in the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces that particles experience while traveling through the device. This sensitivity provides a set of parameters that can serve as a robust framework for optimizing device performance under various experimental conditions, without requiring extensive geometric redesigns. Using these tools, we were able to achieve an effective throughput over 360 beads/s with our device, demonstrating the potential of this framework to improve the consistency of microfluidic systems that rely on precise particle trajectories and timing.

DOI10.1007/s10544-020-00508-1
Alternate JournalBiomed Microdevices
PubMed ID32770358
Grant List1631656 / / Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems / International
1254893 / / Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation / International