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Published December 1, 2003 | public
Journal Article Open

Thermocapillary actuation of droplets on chemically patterned surfaces by programmable microheater arrays

Abstract

We have designed a microfluidic device for the actuation of liquid droplets or continuous streams on a solid surface by means of integrated microheater arrays. The microheaters provide control of the surface temperature distribution with high spatial resolution. These temperature gradients locally alter the surface tension along droplets and thin films thus propelling the liquid toward the colder regions. In combination with liquophilic and liquophobic chemical surface patterning, this device can be used as a logistic platform for the parallel and automated routing, mixing and reacting of a multitude of liquid samples, including alkanes, poly(ethylene glycol) and water.

Additional Information

© Copyright 2006 IEEE. Reprinted with permission. Manuscript received March 17, 2003; revised July 8, 2003. [Posted online: 2004-01-07] This work was supported by the National Science Foundation(CTS and DMR divisions), U.S. Army TACOM-ARDEC, and NASA (Fluid Physics division). Subject Editor N. de Rooij.

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August 22, 2023
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October 16, 2023