MICROCHANNELS FOR EFFICIENT FLUID TRANSPORT

摘要

A structure having one or more microchannels capable of forming air gaps between the inner surface of the microchannel and a fluid in the microchannel. As a result, the viscous resistance can be decreased by a factor of 5 or more. A microchannel according to this invention can have a textured inner surface which provides for air gap formation. The hydrophobicity of the microchannel can provide enhanced fluid transport by adjusting surface tension.