Microfluidic Mixing: A Physics-Oriented Review
This comprehensive review paper focuses on the intricate physics of microfluidics and their application in micromixing techniques. Various methods for enhancing mixing in microchannels are explored, with a keen emphasis on the underlying fluid dynamics principles. Geometrical micromixers employ comp...
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2023-09-01
|
| Series: | Micromachines |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/14/10/1827 |
| _version_ | 1797572921673121792 |
|---|---|
| author | Sri Manikandan Saravanakumar Paul-Vahe Cicek |
| author_facet | Sri Manikandan Saravanakumar Paul-Vahe Cicek |
| author_sort | Sri Manikandan Saravanakumar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This comprehensive review paper focuses on the intricate physics of microfluidics and their application in micromixing techniques. Various methods for enhancing mixing in microchannels are explored, with a keen emphasis on the underlying fluid dynamics principles. Geometrical micromixers employ complex channel designs to induce fluid–fluid interface distortions, yielding efficient mixing while retaining manufacturing simplicity. These methods synergize effectively with external techniques, showcasing promising potential. Electrohydrodynamics harnesses electrokinetic phenomena like electroosmosis, electrophoresis, and electrothermal effects. These methods offer dynamic control over mixing parameters via applied voltage, frequency, and electrode positioning, although power consumption and heating can be drawbacks. Acoustofluidics leverages acoustic waves to drive microstreaming, offering localized yet far-reaching effects. Magnetohydrodynamics, though limited in applicability to certain fluids, showcases potential by utilizing magnetic fields to propel mixing. Selecting an approach hinges on trade-offs among complexity, efficiency, and compatibility with fluid properties. Understanding the physics of fluid behavior and rationalizing these techniques aids in tailoring the most suitable micromixing solution. In a rapidly advancing field, this paper provides a consolidated understanding of these techniques, facilitating the informed choice of approach for specific microfluidic mixing needs. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:02:30Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-53c36faa90b24eb4931c640076170a42 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2072-666X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:02:30Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Micromachines |
| spelling | doaj.art-53c36faa90b24eb4931c640076170a422023-11-19T17:23:23ZengMDPI AGMicromachines2072-666X2023-09-011410182710.3390/mi14101827Microfluidic Mixing: A Physics-Oriented ReviewSri Manikandan Saravanakumar0Paul-Vahe Cicek1Microtechnologies Integration & Convergence Research Group, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, CanadaMicrotechnologies Integration & Convergence Research Group, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC H2X 3Y7, CanadaThis comprehensive review paper focuses on the intricate physics of microfluidics and their application in micromixing techniques. Various methods for enhancing mixing in microchannels are explored, with a keen emphasis on the underlying fluid dynamics principles. Geometrical micromixers employ complex channel designs to induce fluid–fluid interface distortions, yielding efficient mixing while retaining manufacturing simplicity. These methods synergize effectively with external techniques, showcasing promising potential. Electrohydrodynamics harnesses electrokinetic phenomena like electroosmosis, electrophoresis, and electrothermal effects. These methods offer dynamic control over mixing parameters via applied voltage, frequency, and electrode positioning, although power consumption and heating can be drawbacks. Acoustofluidics leverages acoustic waves to drive microstreaming, offering localized yet far-reaching effects. Magnetohydrodynamics, though limited in applicability to certain fluids, showcases potential by utilizing magnetic fields to propel mixing. Selecting an approach hinges on trade-offs among complexity, efficiency, and compatibility with fluid properties. Understanding the physics of fluid behavior and rationalizing these techniques aids in tailoring the most suitable micromixing solution. In a rapidly advancing field, this paper provides a consolidated understanding of these techniques, facilitating the informed choice of approach for specific microfluidic mixing needs.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/14/10/1827microfluidicsmicromixinglaminar flowmicrodevicesvorticeslab-on-chip |
| spellingShingle | Sri Manikandan Saravanakumar Paul-Vahe Cicek Microfluidic Mixing: A Physics-Oriented Review Micromachines microfluidics micromixing laminar flow microdevices vortices lab-on-chip |
| title | Microfluidic Mixing: A Physics-Oriented Review |
| title_full | Microfluidic Mixing: A Physics-Oriented Review |
| title_fullStr | Microfluidic Mixing: A Physics-Oriented Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Microfluidic Mixing: A Physics-Oriented Review |
| title_short | Microfluidic Mixing: A Physics-Oriented Review |
| title_sort | microfluidic mixing a physics oriented review |
| topic | microfluidics micromixing laminar flow microdevices vortices lab-on-chip |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/14/10/1827 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT srimanikandansaravanakumar microfluidicmixingaphysicsorientedreview AT paulvahecicek microfluidicmixingaphysicsorientedreview |