Improving reaction and mixing times in macro- and microfluidic devices for medical applications

Abstract

A major concern in the development of lab-on-a-chip devices is the need to develop systems allowing efficient pumping and mixing of fluids in sub-micrometer channels. This work reports on an actuator system based on piezoelectric polymers able to improve reaction and mixing times both in macro- and micro-medical devices. Transparent piezoelectric actuators based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) and copolymers have been deposited by spin coating and optimized for the specific applications. The preparation process of the actuator system will be discussed as well as its implementation into macro- and microfluidic systems. The efficiency in improving mixing reaction times, which strongly depends on the specific reaction, can be as large as 71%.