MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE AND METHOD

摘要

The present invention relates to a microfluidic device and a corresponding method for pumping of high conductivity liquids comprising: -a microfluidic channel (26; 80; 101) for containing an electrically conductive liquid, in particular a liquid having a high conductivity, -at least two electric field electrodes (21, 22; 71, 72; 91, 92) for generating electric fields, -at least one magnetic field electrode (21, 22; 75, 76; 93, 94) for generating a magnetic field in a direction substantially perpendicular to said electric fields, -a voltage source (23; 74; 95) for providing electric potentials to said at least two electric field electrodes (21, 22; 71, 72; 91, 92) for generating said electric fields, -a current source (23; 78, 79; 96, 97) for providing an electric current to said at least two magnetic field electrodes (21, 22; 75, 76; 93, 94) for generating said magnetic field, wherein said voltage source (23; 74; 95) and said current source (23; 78, 79; 96, 97) are adapted to simultaneously provide said electric potential and electric current, respectively, to said electrodes to obtain a Lorentz force acting on the high conductivity liquid in the direction (27; 81; 99) of said microfluidic channel (26; 80; 101).