Air-Bubble Induced Mixing: A Fluidic Mixer Chip

Abstract

In this study, we report the design and fabrication of a novel fluidic mixer. As proof-of-concept, the laminar flow in the main channel is firstly filled with small air-bubbles, which act as active stirrers inducing chaotic convective turbulent flow, and thus enhance the solutes mixing even at a low input flow rate. To further increase mixing efficiency, a design of neck constriction is included, which changes the relative positions of the inclusion bubbles significantly. The redistribution of liquid volume among bubbles then causes complex flow profile, which further enhances mixing. This work demonstrates a unique approach of utilizing air bubbles to facilitate mixing in bulk solution, which can find the potential applications in microfluidics, fast medical analysis, and biochemical synthesis.