A Novel Acoustic Wave Micromixer

The acoustic wave “micromixer” is based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology that uses acoustic energy to mix and/or transport accurately controlled amounts of fluid in a reasonable amount of time. The micromixer uses a novel Fresnel Annular Sector Actuator which produces a strong lateral acoustic potential at its focal plane. This causes high lateral fluid motion, which is ideal for mixing very small amounts of liquids over relatively large areas. Various designs for micromixers have been developed, including some that use time phasing of various sectors of the device to achieve desired mixing rates.

"Novel Acoustic Wave Micromixer" [PDF - 1.42MB]

Applications Liquid mixing fluids in a DNA sequencing chips Mass Transport in bio-assay chips or “lab on a chip” Non-invasive mixing Gas and fluid measurement Medical testing (e.g., glucose sensing) Microfluidic electrophoresis Microflow cytometry Implantable drug pumping Mass spectroscopy Microflow regulation Inkjet printing Forensic analysis Main Advantages Very simple fabrication, and low manufacturing cost No heating effect (can be used for temperature sensitive fluids such as DNA sample) Non-intrusive mixing Can handle extremely small volume of fluid sample (reduces assay cost) Consumes very low power Can achieve zero dead volume mixing Inherently fast

Type of Offer: Licensing



Next Patent »
« More Engineering Patents

Share on      


CrowdSell Your Patent