Multiple-Line Particle Focusing under Viscoelastic Flow in a Microfluidic Device

Particles in a viscoelastic fluid are typically focused at the center and four corners of a rectangular channel because of the combination of fluid elasticity and inertia forces. In this study, we observe the transition between single-line and multiple-line particle focusing in a microfluidic device...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Analytical chemistry (Washington) 2017-03, Vol.89 (6), p.3639-3647
Main Authors: Yang, Sei Hyun, Lee, Doo Jin, Youn, Jae Ryoun, Song, Young Seok
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aspect ratio
Channels
Devices
Effects
Fluid flow
Fluids
Inertia
Microfluidics
Polymers
Viscoelasticity
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Summary:Particles in a viscoelastic fluid are typically focused at the center and four corners of a rectangular channel because of the combination of fluid elasticity and inertia forces. In this study, we observe the transition between single-line and multiple-line particle focusing in a microfluidic device induced by the synergetic effect of inertia and viscoelasticity. The elastic and inertial forces acting on suspended particles are manipulated by controlling the concentration of dilute polymer solution and the flow rate of a fluid. The finding shows that the confinement effects determined by the channel aspect ratio and the inlet geometry lead to the multiple-line focusing of particles in the microfluidic channel due to the fluid elasticity and hydrodynamic behavior of the fluid. A microfluidic channel with high channel aspect ratio possesses broad minimal region of the elastic force across the channel, which generates a wide particle focusing band rather than a single particle focusing at the center. The multiple-line particle focusing occurs as the inertial force outweighs the elastic force, resulting in the particle migration toward the channel sidewalls.
ISSN:0003-2700
1520-6882
DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.6b05052