Enhancing microfluidic transport via pulsatile flow: A study of flow regimes and efficiency optimization

Abstract

Microfluidic technologies have emerged as transformative diagnostic tools in health care, significantly accelerating diagnostic processes and enhancing patient outcomes. This article explores the principles of fluid dynamics in microfluidic systems, particularly at low Reynolds numbers, and their practical applications. Traditional microfluidic devices often rely on additional hardware for liquid handling, increasing costs, complicating maintenance, and limited accessibility in low-resource settings. To address these challenges, the study introduces a mechanically pulsating heat exchanger utilizing microfluidic technologies, which incorporates internal walls within the flow channel. This innovative design alters the flow patterns of liquid and vapor plugs, significantly improving thermal efficiency in heat pipes. The article highlights the role of flow patterns in preventing blockages and their utility in generating emulsion droplets, blending substances, and separating components through periodic mass flow fluctuations. Furthermore, the advantages of pulsatile flow in microfluidic systems are examined. Unlike steady flows, pulsatile flows offer unique benefits, such as simulating physiological conditions, enhancing cell culture environments, and automating bioassays. These capabilities make pulsatile flows invaluable for advancing biomedical research and diagnostic technologies. However, realizing their full potential requires deeper physics-based insights and further research. This work underscores the promise of microfluidic systems in health care and beyond, paving the way for cost-effective, efficient, and accessible diagnostic solutions.