Nature-inspired microfluidic propulsion using magnetic artificial cilia
PhD ceremony: Mr. S.N. Khaderi, 13.15 uur, Aula Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Dissertation: Nature-inspired microfluidic propulsion using magnetic artificial cilia
Promotor(s): prof. P. Onck
Faculty: Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Lab-on-a-chip is a technology that aims at performing analyses of biological samples (such as blood and urine), conventionally performed in a clinical lab, on a small chip. The lab-on-a-chip consists of micro-chambers (where dedicated tests are carried out) connected by micro-channels, through which the bio-fluid has to pass-through. In this work, we explore a way to propel fluids through these micro-channels by mimicking the fluid transport mechanisms present in nature at small length scales. Micron-scale fluid propulsion takes place in nature using hair-like motile appendages known as cilia that beat out-of-phase to result in a wave-like motion (metachronal waves). In addition, individual cilia beat in an asymmetric manner with a distinct effective and recovery stroke. During the effective stroke the cilia are straight and push a large amount of fluid, whereas during the recovery stroke they stay closer to the cell surface and pull back a small amount of fluid. The net fluid propelled is in the direction of the effective stroke. In this work we design artificial cilia that can be realized using thin films consisting of a polymer matrix filled with magnetic nano-particles, so that they can be actuated using an external magnetic field. We use a coupled magneto-mechanical solid-fluid numerical model to find under what conditions a magnetic film will mimic the asymmetric motion of natural cilia. The response of the artificial cilia is further studied in terms of the dimensionless parameters that govern their physical behavior and identify the parameter space in which the cilia can generate maximum flow.
Last modified: | 13 March 2020 01.12 a.m. |
More news
-
01 July 2025
‘Give them space’
The Wadden Sea is constantly changing. Native animals need to be able to adapt in order to thrive in an environment that is shaped by the tides. By conducting research on seals in the area, PhD students Margarita Méndez-Aróstegui and Beatriz...
-
01 July 2025
Khalaf Alkhalaf elected Alumnus of the Year 2025
Khalaf Alkhalaf has been elected Alumnus of the Year 2025 by the University of Groningen. He has received the award for his commitment to providing good care and guidance to refugees in the Netherlands and the inspiring way in which he shares his...
-
30 June 2025
David Lentink partners international research project on animal navigation
Prof. David Lentink is a partner in the NaviSense project awarded 54.7 million euros by the German government to research the mechanisms animals use to navigate and how these mechanisms can inspire technology.