摘要
Microfluidic networks are extensively used in miniaturized lab-on-a-chip systems. However, most of the existing micro- channels are simply designed and the corresponding microfluidic systems commonly require external pumps to achieve effec- tive fluid transport. Here we employed microfabrication techniques to replicate naturally-optimized leaf venations into synthetic hydrogels for the fabrication of pumpless microfluidic chips. The unique properties of leaf-inspired microfluidic network in convectively transporting fluid were characterized at different inclination angles. Flow velocity inside these microfluidic net- works was quantitatively measured with Particle Image Velocimetry （PIV）. Mass diffusion from biomimetic microfluidic network to surrounding bulk hydrogels was investigated. The results demonstrate that the leaf-inspired microfluidic network can not only effectively transport fluid without the use of external pumps, but also facilitate rapid mass diffusion within bulk hy- drogel chips. These leaf-inspired microfluidic networks could be potentially used to engineer complex pumpless or- gan-on-a-chip systems.
Microfluidic networks are extensively used in miniaturized lab-on-a-chip systems. However, most of the existing micro- channels are simply designed and the corresponding microfluidic systems commonly require external pumps to achieve effec- tive fluid transport. Here we employed microfabrication techniques to replicate naturally-optimized leaf venations into synthetic hydrogels for the fabrication of pumpless microfluidic chips. The unique properties of leaf-inspired microfluidic network in convectively transporting fluid were characterized at different inclination angles. Flow velocity inside these microfluidic net- works was quantitatively measured with Particle Image Velocimetry （PIV）. Mass diffusion from biomimetic microfluidic network to surrounding bulk hydrogels was investigated. The results demonstrate that the leaf-inspired microfluidic network can not only effectively transport fluid without the use of external pumps, but also facilitate rapid mass diffusion within bulk hy- drogel chips. These leaf-inspired microfluidic networks could be potentially used to engineer complex pumpless or- gan-on-a-chip systems.
基金
the National Natural Science Foundation，the Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education，the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China
