Simulation, analysis, fabrication and characterization of tunable AAO membrane for microfluidic filtration

Abstract

Microfluidic filtration is an essential process in many biomedical applications. Micro or nanoporous membranes are used for colloidal retention. During the membrane filtration process visualization of various phenomena is challenging. Theoretical models have been proposed to visualize the transport mechanism. In this work, ANSYS Fluent is used for 3D designing of the microfluidic system and Fuzzy simulations are used to study flow rate and velocity, to get the maximum benefit from Anodized Aluminium oxide membrane in practical applications. The proposed method exploits relations between driving force, membrane area, and fluid flow. After optimization of parameters for the filtration, the AAO membrane with desired pore diameter was fabricated using the two-step anodization method. Scanning electron microscope is used for characterization of fabricated AAO membrane. The simulated and theoretical results using computer-based programs are then compared for manipulation of flow rate during the filtration process. Along with the manipulation of flow rate from nanoporous membrane other challenges faced during the filtration process are also highlighted with possible solutions.