Molecular diffusion analysis of dynamic blood flow and plasma separation driven by self-powered microfluidic devices |
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| Authors: | Sung Oh Woo Myungkeun Oh Kyle Nietfeld Bailey Boehler Yongki Choi |
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| Institution: | 1.Department of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, USA;2.Materials and Nanotechnology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, USA;3.Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108, USA |
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| Abstract: | Integration of microfluidic devices with pressure-driven, self-powered fluid flow propulsion methods has provided a very effective solution for on-chip, droplet blood testing applications. However, precise understanding of the physical process governing fluid dynamics in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic devices remains unclear. Here, we propose a pressure-driven diffusion model using Fick''s law and the ideal gas law, the results of which agree well with the experimental fluid dynamics observed in our vacuum pocket-assisted, self-powered microfluidic devices. Notably, this model enables us to precisely tune the flow rate by adjusting two geometrical parameters of the vacuum pocket. By linking the self-powered fluid flow propulsion method to the sedimentation, we also show that direct plasma separation from a drop of whole blood can be achieved using only a simple construction without the need for external power sources, connectors, or a complex operational procedure. Finally, the potential of the vacuum pocket, along with a removable vacuum battery to be integrated with non-PDMS microfluidic devices to drive and control the fluid flow, is demonstrated. |
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