1 research outputs found
Magnetically Levitated Microrobotic Mixer
Microfluidic systems, when combined with microrobots, offer enhanced
precision in chemical synthesis by precisely controlling reaction conditions.
These systems, when integrated with analytical tools, allow for real-time
monitoring and are cost-efficient due to their minimal volume requirements,
thereby reducing risks associated with hazardous chemicals. In our study, we
have investigated the mixing efficiency of Thymolphthalein indicator with NaOH
solution in a magnetically levitated microrobotic mixer. A PMMA microfluidic
chip was used to transfer fluid containing two different solutions and achieve
fast and efficient mixing. By adjusting five different flow rates and altering
the rotational speeds of the microrobots, the mixing efficiency was observed.
The studies were carried out under the laminar regime, with incompressible
Newtonian flow rates and varying actuator speeds. The measurement of mixing
efficiency was accomplished through the calculation of changes in pixel
intensity observed in microscopic images acquired throughout the mixing
process. The presence of the microrobots resulted in the best efficiency at
80.37% at 500 rpm and 7 mL/min flow rate. Their potential in advanced
reactions, such as nanoparticle synthesis and encapsulation, suggests promising
avenues for improving product yields.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, 1 tabl