Particle transporter using cilia of Vorticella

Abstract

An active transporter of particle is essential for mixing, pumping, and separation in microfluidics. We propose an application of cilia of Vorticella as a particle transporter in a microchannel. We apply transport of particle to mix fluid in confined and continuous environments. Two solutions in stationary and dynamic fluids are mixed by Vorticella. In a microchamber, single Vorticella increases the speed of mixing by two orders of magnitude higher than mixing by diffusion. 9 to 15 cells of Vorticella mix the particles in a dynamic fluid. Investigation of individual mixing effect by Vorticella reveal the vertical transport to a flow is effective.