Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Diffusion Characteristics of a T-type Microchannel with Different Configurations and Inlet Angles

  • Published:
Analytical Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A series of symmetrical and asymmetrical microfluidic T-sensors with different inlet angles were fabricated to study the mixing characteristics of a T-type microstructure for generating concentration gradient. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations showed that the concentration gradient, transition zone and diffusion length were different for various configurations and inlet angles. Quick mix and sharp concentration gradient occurred in the asymmetrical structure with large inlet angle. The observed concentration gradients in the fabricated microchannel were consistent with the theoretical prediction. In this microstructure, stagnant zone and z-direction diffusion also affected the concentration gradient. Based on the simulation results, the microfluidic structure was optimized to generate desired concentration gradient for a cell-based study.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. G. M. Whitesides, Nature, 2006, 442, 368.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. D. L. Huber, R. P. Manginell, M. A. Samara, B. I. Kim, and B. C. Bunker, Science, 2003, 301, 352.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. M. M. Wang, E. Tu, D. E. Raymond, J. M. Yang, H. C. Zhang, N. Hagen, B. Dees, E. M. Mercer, A. H. Forster, I. Kariv, P. J. Marchand, and W. F. Butler, Nat. Biotechnol., 2005, 23, 83.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. A. E. Kamholz, B. H. Weigl, B. A. Finlayson, and P. Yager, Anal. Chem., 1999, 71, 5340.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. A. Hatch, A. E. Kamholz, K. R. Hawkins, M. S. Munson, E. A. Schilling, B. H. Weigl, and P. Yager, Nat. Biotechnol., 2001, 19, 461.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. D. R. Meldrum and M. R. Holl, Science, 2002, 297, 1197.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. P. J. A. Kenis, R. F. Ismagilov, and G. M. Whitesides, Science, 1999, 285, 83.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. P. J. A. Kenis, R. F. Ismagilov, S. Takayama, G. M. Whitesides, S. L. Li, and H. S. White, Acc. Chem. Res., 2000, 33, 841.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. J. Atencia and D. J. Beebe, Nature, 2005, 437, 648.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. H. Xiao, D. Liang, G. C. Liu, M. Guo, W. L. Xing, and J. Cheng, Lab Chip, 2006, 6, 1067.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. S. K. Yoon, M. Mitchell, E. R. Choban, and P. J. A. Kenis, Lab Chip, 2005, 5, 1259.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. B. H. Weigl and P. Yager, Science, 1999, 283, 346.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. D. Gobby, P. Angeli, and A. Gavriilidis, J. Micromech. Microeng., 2001, 11, 126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. R. F. Ismagilov, A. D. Stroock, P. J. A. Kenis, G. Whitesides, and H. A. Stone, Appl. Phys. Lett., 2000, 76, 2376.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. A. E. Kamholz and P. Yager, Biophys. J., 2001, 80, 155.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. R. J. Wang, J. Z. Lin, and Z. H. Li, J. Nanosci. Nanotechnol., 2005, 5, 1281.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. M. S. Stay and V. H. Barocas, J. Appl. Phys., 2004, 95, 6435.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. C. D. Costin and R. E. Synovec, Anal. Chem., 2002, 74, 4558.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. M. S. Yang, J. Yang, C. W. Li, and J. L. Zhao, Lab Chip, 2002, 2, 158.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. M. S. Yang, C. W. Li, and J. Yang, Anal. Chem., 2002, 74, 3991.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. C. W. Li, C. N. Cheung, J. Yang, C. H. Tzang, and M. S. Yang, Analyst, 2003, 128, 1137.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. C. W. Li, J. Yang, and M. S. Yang, Lab Chip, 2006, 6, 921.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, People’s Republic of China

    Jun Yang, Xitian Pi, Liguo Zhang, Xiangshao Liu, Jing Yang, Yi Cao, Wenxian Zhang & Xiaolin Zheng

Authors
  1. Jun Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xitian Pi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Liguo Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xiangshao Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jing Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Yi Cao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Wenxian Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Xiaolin Zheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Jun Yang or Xiaolin Zheng.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Yang, J., Pi, X., Zhang, L. et al. Diffusion Characteristics of a T-type Microchannel with Different Configurations and Inlet Angles. ANAL. SCI. 23, 697–703 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2116/analsci.23.697

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2116/analsci.23.697

Search

Navigation