Issue 22, 2011

High-throughput rheology in a microfluidic device

Abstract

High-throughput rheological measurements in a microfluidic device are demonstrated. A series of microrheology samples are generated as droplets in an immiscible spacer fluid using a microfluidic T-junction. The compositions of the sample droplets are continuously varied over a wide range. Rheology measurements are made in each droplet using multiple particle tracking microrheology. We review critical design and operating parameters, including the droplet size, flow rates and rapid fabrication methods. Validation experiments are performed by measuring the solution viscosity of glycerine and the biopolymer heparin as a function of concentration. Overall, the combination of microrheology with microfluidics maximizes the number of rheological measurements while simultaneously minimizing the sample preparation time and amount of material, and should be particularly suited to the characterization of scarce or expensive materials.

Graphical abstract: High-throughput rheology in a microfluidic device

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
03 May 2011
Accepted
28 Jul 2011
First published
28 Sep 2011

Lab Chip, 2011,11, 3802-3809

High-throughput rheology in a microfluidic device

K. M. Schultz and E. M. Furst, Lab Chip, 2011, 11, 3802 DOI: 10.1039/C1LC20376B

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