Advances in Open Microfluidics from Fundamental Flow Dynamics to Environmental and Translational Science Applications

Abstract

This dissertation will demonstrate and discuss advances in open-channel microfluidics at the fundamental and translational levels. Chapter 1 outlines new fundamental open-microfluidic tools through via analytical models and comparisons with open channel fluid flow experiments. Chapter 2 will demonstrate enhanced capillary flow through the coupling of homothetic, bifurcating capillary trees and semi-circular paper pads at the extremities to maintain high fluid velocities throughout the channel over an extended period of time. Chapter 3 will discuss and demonstrate the need for a dynamic contact angle (DCA) at high fluid velocities through a survey of current theoretical approaches including multiple hydrodynamic models and the molecular kinetic theory with a comparison to in-lab flow experiments in U-shaped open microfluidic channels. Chapter 4 will present the implementation of trigger valves in open channel configurations allowing for the formation of lateral flow of multiple liquids in parallel for precise fluid addition. Chapter 5 will focus on the use of an open-channel droplet generator that can encapsulate human sperm samples for the use in cryopreservation steps in assisted reproductive technology (ART) workflows.