Hello everyone. I have a question about microfluidic-based methods. In this article, "Microflidic-Based Approaches in Targeted Cell/ParticleSeparation Based on Physical Properties: Fundamentalsand Applications", It has been mentioned that flow rate in methods with external force fields such as electric field, optical field,etc. are relatively low compared to fluid dynamics-based microfulidic separation methods such as Pinched Flow Fractionation, Deterministic Lateral Displacement, Inertial Method, etc.
My question is that why the flow rate in methods with externally applied forces is relatively low compared to fluid dynamics-based microfulidic separation methods?
Thank you for your time.
External forces are usually proportional to the volume of the cell (or particle) and thus very small. In order to effectively separate cells you want them to be displaced by that force meaningfully. So the tiny force must be applied to the cells for enough long time. This means fluid velocity must be small. On the other hand in fluid dynamics-based methods separation is done by cells following local fluid patterns. These fluid patterns are stronger at higher flow rates, so separation is more effective with higher velocities.
External forces are usually proportional to the volume of the cell (or particle) and thus very small. In order to effectively separate cells you want them to be displaced by that force meaningfully. So the tiny force must be applied to the cells for enough long time. This means fluid velocity must be small. On the other hand in fluid dynamics-based methods separation is done by cells following local fluid patterns. These fluid patterns are stronger at higher flow rates, so separation is more effective with higher velocities.
Kindly check https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271658118_Particle_separation_and_sorting_in_microfluidic_devices_A_review
Also check https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0307904X11003891
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