Issue 6, 2021

Bubbles in microfluidics: an all-purpose tool for micromanipulation

Abstract

In recent decades, the integration of microfluidic devices and multiple actuation technologies at the microscale has greatly contributed to the progress of related fields. In particular, microbubbles are playing an increasingly important role in microfluidics because of their unique characteristics that lead to specific responses to different energy sources and gas–liquid interactions. Many effective and functional bubble-based micromanipulation strategies have been developed and improved, enabling various non-invasive, selective, and precise operations at the microscale. This review begins with a brief introduction of the morphological characteristics and formation of microbubbles. The theoretical foundations and working mechanisms of typical micromanipulations based on acoustic, thermodynamic, and chemical microbubbles in fluids are described. We critically review the extensive applications and the frontline advances of bubbles in microfluidics, including microflow patterns, position and orientation control, biomedical applications, and development of bubble-based microrobots. We lastly present an outlook to provide directions for the design and application of microbubble-based micromanipulation tools and attract the attention of relevant researchers to the enormous potential of microbubbles in microfluidics.

Graphical abstract: Bubbles in microfluidics: an all-purpose tool for micromanipulation

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
18 nov 2020
Accepted
29 jan 2021
First published
01 feb 2021

Lab Chip, 2021,21, 1016-1035

Bubbles in microfluidics: an all-purpose tool for micromanipulation

Y. Li, X. Liu, Q. Huang, A. T. Ohta and T. Arai, Lab Chip, 2021, 21, 1016 DOI: 10.1039/D0LC01173H

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