A Multifunctional Microfluidic Device Based on Bifurcation Geometry

Developing multifunctional devices are essential to realize more efficient Microsystems. With miniaturization processes taking place in many different applications, the rooms for single function microfluidic devices are limited. In this study, we introduce a multifunctional micro fluidic device based on bifurcation geometry which is capable of performing pumping and mixing at the same time. Optical lithography is used to fabricate the designed microfluidic device. The microfluidic device is tested at low actuator frequencies, and ethanol is employed as a working fluid. The operational principles are based on rectifying the oscillatory flows by using bifurcation structures for flow rectification. The results prove the feasibility of the novel design, and results are presented in terms of flow rates and maximum back pressures.Copyright © 2010 by ASME