Field-Effect Flow Control for 2-D and 3-D Microfluidics

"The realization of next-generation lab-on-a-chip technology will require flow control in complex fluidic networks interconnecting mixers, reactors, reservoirs, sensors, and related components. With ongoing advances in microfluidic technology, including3-dimensional microfluidics and nanofluidic systems, the need for advanced flow control technology is becoming increasingly evident. To this end, a novel electrokinetic pumping technology is proposed for use in complex 2-D and 3-D polymer-basedmicrofluidic systems. The technology employs a technique known as field-effect flow control (FEFC), which is based on standard electroosmotic flow (EOF), but with modulation of the flow velocity provided by a secondary gate voltage independent from thelengthwise EOF electric field. The technology allows for direct and independent control of flow within large numbers of interconnected microchannels. The overall goal of this Phase I project is to demonstrate the feasibility of FEFC micropumping inpolymer-based 2-D and 3-D microfluidic platforms. FEFC micropumps will be implemented in three specific systems. Initial demonstrations will include simple 2-D micropumps, followed by complex 2-D microfluidic gating systems, and extension of the technologyto flow control in 3-D microfluidic systems. The result is a base technology which will impact a broad range of complex microfluidic systems for high-throughput bioanalysis, with significant benefits for D