Droplet Thermotaxis: A New Platform Technology for Droplet-based Microfluidic Systems

摘要本项目的目标是开发一种基于液滴的微流控系统的新平台技术，并在研究热致向性驱动的基础科学的基础上，利用开发的化学和生物学应用平台演示化学单元操作。在电气工程、机械工程和化学的交叉领域发现了知识的优点，为利用新发现的液滴驱动机构的各种微流体装置和系统奠定了坚实的基础和设计指南。所提出的工作将为理解液滴的双重行为、界面边界（液-液、液-气、液-固）独特输运机制的基础科学、基于液滴的化学实验的实用工具包、小型化设备和系统的光学诊断方法以及受控化学反应的新实验方案提供基础信息。更广泛的影响被总结为：(a)我们的技术在自我限制配置中处理液体样品的广泛适用性以及与许多学科相关的液滴的有效热管理(b)将培养的知识传播到电气工程，机械工程，(c)从精心设计的多学科指导和涉及本科生、研究生和K-12学生的推广活动中获得持久的教育成果。这个项目是建立在一个新的革命性的发现之上的？双向液滴驱动基于表面膜的变形，不同于传统的方法。该程序将有助于理解定义科学和工作原理，因此新提出的驱动机制可能有利于用于小型化设备和系统。

Droplet Thermotaxis: A New Platform Technology for Droplet-based Microfluidic SystemsAbstractThe objective of this program is to develop a new platform technology for droplet-based microfluidic systems and demonstrate chemical unit operations using the developed platform for applications in chemistry and biology based on the study of the fundamental science of thermotaxis actuation. The intellectual merit is found at the cross-section of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and chemistry, laying the solid foundation and design guidelines for various microfluidic devices and systems that can take advantage of the newly discovered droplet actuation mechanisms. The proposed work will provide fundamental information for understanding the dual behavior of droplets, underlying science of unique transport mechanisms at the interfacial boundaries (liquid-liquid, liquid-air, liquid-solid), practical tool kits for droplet-based chemical experiments, methodology for optical diagnostics of miniaturized devices and systems, and novel experimental protocols for controlled chemical reactions.The broader impacts are summarized as (a) wide applicability of our technology for handling liquid samples in a self-confined configuration and for the effective thermal management of droplets relevant to many disciplines (b) dissemination of cultivated knowledge to research communities across electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry and biology and (c) long-lasting educational outcomes from thoughtfully designed multidisciplinary mentorship and outreach activities involving undergraduate, graduate and K-12 students. This program is built upon a new and transformative discovery ? bidirectional droplet actuation based on the surface film deformation, unlike the traditional approach. This program will help understand the defining science and working principles so the newly proposed actuation mechanism may be favorably used for miniaturized devices and systems.