2
1 Mixing at Microscale
Ottino and Wiggins [3] provided two distinct applications of mixing. The first
one is related to protein folding (a process by which proteins assume their unique
three-dimensional (3D) shapes) in which molecular diffusion solely controls the
mixing. The second one is rapid mixing of macromolecular solutions for chip-based
molecular diagnostics (immunoassays and hybridization analyses, which require the
rapid, homogeneous mixing of macromolecular solutions, such as DNA and globular
proteins), and it involves intermixing of two streams. For the latter application, mixing
by pure molecular diffusion will take considerable time, and it becomes important
to find suitable micromixer designs to mix fluid streams in a short time over a short
mixing length.
Li et al. [4] demonstrated a unique continuous-flow laminar mixer based on
microfluidic dual-hydrodynamic focusing to characterize the kinetics of DNA–
protein interaction. The novel micromixer was also found useful for analyzing the
interaction kinetics of biomacromolecules. Hessel et al. [5] used the IMM (Institut für
Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH) liquid split-and-recombine (SAR) passive micromixer
for the aqueous Kolbe-Schmitt synthesis using resorcinol to yield 2, 4-dihydroxy
benzoic acid. Anwar et al. [6] successfully demonstrated and applied a passive
micromixer based on unbalanced split and cross collisions of fluid streams to sample
preparation and preconcentration of proteins on a microfluidic platform for biosensor
applications.
Stone and Kim [7] provided a brief review on basic issues, applications and
challenges encountered in the design and development of microfluidic devices. Some
interesting aspects of the research were the importance of scaling down devices,
fabrication techniques, and the effects of driving forces, such as pressure difference,
electric fields and surface tension, on fluid flow in a microchannel. The paper also
highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of researches in microfluidics with different
branches of science and engineering come together to realize devices with specific
functions. Jeong et al. [10] presented a large number of practical applications of
different types of passive micromixers. Micromixers in various applications were
grouped according to Reynolds number and mixing performance.
Lee and Fu [11] presented a comprehensive review on state-of-the-art biomedical
applications of micromixers. Various micromixers were classified based on their use,
particularly for sample concentration, chemical synthesis and reaction, polymerization, extraction and purification, biological analysis, and droplet/emulsion process.
A statistical analysis of the published researches from 2004 to 2017 in terms of the
application of micromixers revealed that the main area is chemical reactor followed
by biological and chemical analyses. The review provided a nice understanding of
micromixer designs and their related applications.
1 Mixing at Microscale
Ottino and Wiggins [3] provided two distinct applications of mixing. The first
one is related to protein folding (a process by which proteins assume their unique
three-dimensional (3D) shapes) in which molecular diffusion solely controls the
mixing. The second one is rapid mixing of macromolecular solutions for chip-based
molecular diagnostics (immunoassays and hybridization analyses, which require the
rapid, homogeneous mixing of macromolecular solutions, such as DNA and globular
proteins), and it involves intermixing of two streams. For the latter application, mixing
by pure molecular diffusion will take considerable time, and it becomes important
to find suitable micromixer designs to mix fluid streams in a short time over a short
mixing length.
Li et al. [4] demonstrated a unique continuous-flow laminar mixer based on
microfluidic dual-hydrodynamic focusing to characterize the kinetics of DNA–
protein interaction. The novel micromixer was also found useful for analyzing the
interaction kinetics of biomacromolecules. Hessel et al. [5] used the IMM (Institut für
Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH) liquid split-and-recombine (SAR) passive micromixer
for the aqueous Kolbe-Schmitt synthesis using resorcinol to yield 2, 4-dihydroxy
benzoic acid. Anwar et al. [6] successfully demonstrated and applied a passive
micromixer based on unbalanced split and cross collisions of fluid streams to sample
preparation and preconcentration of proteins on a microfluidic platform for biosensor
applications.
Stone and Kim [7] provided a brief review on basic issues, applications and
challenges encountered in the design and development of microfluidic devices. Some
interesting aspects of the research were the importance of scaling down devices,
fabrication techniques, and the effects of driving forces, such as pressure difference,
electric fields and surface tension, on fluid flow in a microchannel. The paper also
highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of researches in microfluidics with different
branches of science and engineering come together to realize devices with specific
functions. Jeong et al. [10] presented a large number of practical applications of
different types of passive micromixers. Micromixers in various applications were
grouped according to Reynolds number and mixing performance.
Lee and Fu [11] presented a comprehensive review on state-of-the-art biomedical
applications of micromixers. Various micromixers were classified based on their use,
particularly for sample concentration, chemical synthesis and reaction, polymerization, extraction and purification, biological analysis, and droplet/emulsion process.
A statistical analysis of the published researches from 2004 to 2017 in terms of the
application of micromixers revealed that the main area is chemical reactor followed
by biological and chemical analyses. The review provided a nice understanding of
micromixer designs and their related applications.