The aggregation of micro-particles based on hydraulic vortices

Abstract

The large-scale and nondestructive aggregation of micro-particles in the solvent has a crucial role on cell detection and the preparation of micro-nano drugs. To achieve directional aggregation of micro-particles, a piezoelectric cantilever probe structure can be utilized to generate a vortex region by driving the liquid with low-frequency oscillation. By adjusting the driving voltage and frequency of the piezoelectric oscillator, polystyrene microspheres in the liquid can be effectively aggregated and manipulated. Experimental results using fixed concentration polystyrene solvent demonstrated that micro-particle aggregation occurred within the frequency range of 20–70 Hz and voltage range of 20–80 V. The particles were stably concentrated in front of the probe, with a maximum aggregation area of 0.71 mm2 and a maximum number of aggregated particles reaching 2495, when the driving voltage was 60 V and the driving frequency was 60 Hz. Furthermore, the flow field particle image velocimetry experiment revealed that when four main vortices with opposite rotation directions were present, the micro-particle aggregation exhibited a regular Arc and Witch-shaped pattern. Conversely, in the presence of an indefinite number of large main vortices in the flow field, the micro-particle aggregation displayed an irregular Small symmetry and Large symmetry-shaped pattern. This method of micro-particle aggregation manipulation using hydraulic vortices has the potential to meet the demands of biomedical and fine chemical fields for precise micro-particle manipulation.