Characterization of hydrogel-induced flow control in paper-based microfluidics platform

IF 2.5 4区 工程技术 Q2 INSTRUMENTS & INSTRUMENTATION
Neha Majee, Chandra Bhushan, Debayan Das
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Paper-based microfluidic platforms are widely utilized in point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, filtration, and fluid handling due to their cost-effectiveness and simplicity. However, uncontrolled capillary-driven transport often results in performance inconsistencies, compromising sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility. Hydrogel-infused paper matrices present a promising strategy to regulate fluid flow by modifying the porous microstructure, though their impact on transport dynamics remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates the role of hydrogel concentration and fluid viscosity in controlling flow behavior in paper membranes, relevant to diagnostics applications. Hydrogel is pre-imbibed into paper assays to modulate capillary transport, and the effects of varying injected fluid viscosities (0.954–1.54 cP, corresponding to solute concentrations of 0.055–0.555 M) and hydrogel concentrations (4.83–8.06 mg/mL) are examined across three distinct porous substrates. Real-time, high-resolution imaging enables quantitative analysis of fluid front evolution, including angular deviations, length variations, and interface curvature. Hydrogel presence increases flow resistance by 3-33.5%, while early-stage angular deviations reach up to 500% before stabilizing (reducing by 50-100%). Length deviations initially fluctuate (150-300%) but decline as imbibition progresses. Fluid front curvature also varies significantly (11-64%) in early stages. Viscous fluid enhances flow control, increasing resistance by 11-36% and reducing instability. Additionally, smaller pore sizes are found to improve flow uniformity. These findings offer new insights into hydrogel-mediated microfluidic regulation and pave the way for optimized, reproducible, and high-performance POC diagnostic systems.

纸基微流控平台中水凝胶诱导流动控制的表征
基于纸张的微流控平台因其成本效益和简单性而广泛应用于即时诊断、过滤和流体处理。然而,不受控制的毛细血管驱动转运往往导致性能不一致,影响灵敏度、特异性和可重复性。水凝胶注入纸基质是一种很有前途的策略,可以通过改变多孔结构来调节流体流动,尽管它们对输运动力学的影响尚未得到充分探讨。本研究探讨了水凝胶浓度和流体粘度在控制纸膜流动行为中的作用,与诊断应用有关。将水凝胶预吸到纸上以调节毛细管运输,并在三种不同的多孔基质上检测不同注入流体粘度(0.954-1.54 cP,对应于溶质浓度为0.055-0.555 M)和水凝胶浓度(4.83-8.06 mg/mL)的影响。实时、高分辨率成像能够定量分析流体锋的演变,包括角度偏差、长度变化和界面曲率。水凝胶的存在增加了3-33.5%的流动阻力,而早期的角偏差在稳定之前达到500%(减少50-100%)。长度偏差最初波动(150-300%),但随着渗吸的进展而下降。早期流体锋面曲率变化较大(11-64%)。粘性流体增强了流动控制,增加了11-36%的阻力,减少了不稳定性。此外,较小的孔隙尺寸可以改善流动均匀性。这些发现为水凝胶介导的微流体调节提供了新的见解,并为优化、可重复和高性能的POC诊断系统铺平了道路。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Microfluidics and Nanofluidics
Microfluidics and Nanofluidics 工程技术-纳米科技
CiteScore
4.80
自引率
3.60%
发文量
97
审稿时长
2 months
期刊介绍: Microfluidics and Nanofluidics is an international peer-reviewed journal that aims to publish papers in all aspects of microfluidics, nanofluidics and lab-on-a-chip science and technology. The objectives of the journal are to (1) provide an overview of the current state of the research and development in microfluidics, nanofluidics and lab-on-a-chip devices, (2) improve the fundamental understanding of microfluidic and nanofluidic phenomena, and (3) discuss applications of microfluidics, nanofluidics and lab-on-a-chip devices. Topics covered in this journal include: 1.000 Fundamental principles of micro- and nanoscale phenomena like, flow, mass transport and reactions 3.000 Theoretical models and numerical simulation with experimental and/or analytical proof 4.000 Novel measurement & characterization technologies 5.000 Devices (actuators and sensors) 6.000 New unit-operations for dedicated microfluidic platforms 7.000 Lab-on-a-Chip applications 8.000 Microfabrication technologies and materials Please note, Microfluidics and Nanofluidics does not publish manuscripts studying pure microscale heat transfer since there are many journals that cover this field of research (Journal of Heat Transfer, Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, etc.).
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