Surface acoustic wave for microfluidic applications

Abstract

Surface acoustic wave-based (SAW) microfluidics attracts attention from microfluidic research community due to its simple fabrication, large force and fast, yet efficient operation. The scope of this project is to develope a microfluidic platform based on the advantages offered by surface acoustic wave. SAW-based microfluidics can be categorized into droplet-based applications and continuous-flow applications. Droplet is actuated into unique behaviours depending on the applied SAW power. A wide range of droplet based applications have been employed utilizing these behaviours. In a continuous-flow system, applications are further categorized based on the interference of travelling SAW and standing SAW with the bulk liquid. The fabrication of SAW-microfluidic platform is based on standard microfabrication technology. Mixing, droplet formation, droplet actuation and particle sorting based on SAW actuation have been investigated.