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A review on micromixers actuated with magnetic nanomaterials

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Abstract

The review (with 95 refs.) starts with an introduction that addresses the need for magnetic actuation in microfluidics. A second section describes the equations governing magnetic micromixing, with subsections on magnetic equations, fluid flow equations, and on convection–diffusion equations. The next section specifically covers magnetically actuated micromixers, with subsections on those actuated by external permanent magnets, by electromagnets, by microstirrers, and on micromixers with integrated electrodes. The conclusion summarizes the state of the art and addresses current challenges and trends.

In this review, micromixers are classified into four types according to drive mode including external permanent magnet, electromagnet, microstirrer and the integrated electrode. The basic governing equations and operating rules of magnetic micromixers are given. The review is supposed to provide a helpful reference for those intending to study this field.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Liaoning Province Doctor Startup Fund (20141131).

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  1. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Liaoning University of Technology, Jinzhou, 121001, China

    Xueye Chen & Lei Zhang

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  1. Xueye Chen
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Correspondence to Xueye Chen.

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Chen, X., Zhang, L. A review on micromixers actuated with magnetic nanomaterials. Microchim Acta 184, 3639–3649 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-017-2462-2

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