Devices and methods for programming fluid flow using sequenced microstructures

摘要

A microfluidic platform is disclosed that uses obstacles placed at particular location(s) within the channel cross-section to turn and stretch fluid. The asymmetric flow behavior upstream and downstream of the obstacle(s) due to fluid inertia manifests itself as a total deformation of the topology of streamlines that effectively creates a tunable net secondary flow. The system and methods passively creates strong secondary flows at moderate to high flow rates in microchannels. These flows can be accurately controlled by the numbers and particular geometric placement of the obstacle(s) within the channel.