An on-chip generator for multi-pattern periodic dynamic flow based on multiple synchronous sources.

Periodic dynamic flow, including pulsatile flow and oscillatory flow, has many applications at the microscopic scale in chemistry, biology, and pharmacy. Conventional devices for periodic flow are either bulky, complicated, or inflexible. Here, we propose a novel on-chip flow generator with multi-pattern outputs possessing the obvious advantages of small size, simple structure, and being easy to be implemented. The fluid flow is synergistically driven by the constant pressure and the alternating pressure in a pair of conical channels. We design and fabricate a simple on-chip prototype following this conical-channel-based constant–alternating (C3A) driving method, and validate its performance through both numerical simulation and flow experiment. The results demonstrate the synergistic effects of the constant and alternating pressures on the fluid flow, and can implement four flow modes, i.e., steady flow, oscillatory flow, pulsatile flow, and complex flow, simply by modulating the input voltage. The proposed flow generator with multi-pattern outputs, simple structure and small footprint can be flexibly integrated with other on-chip devices for various biomedical applications, and the proposed strategy utilizing multiple synchronous sources can also inspire more delicate manipulation in the context of microfluidics. [Display omitted] • A conical-channel-based constant-alternating (C3A) driving method is proposed to drive fluid flow in a microchannel. • A novel on-chip flow generator for multi-pattern periodic dynamic (PD) flow is developed following the proposed C3A driving strategy. • Four flow modes can be implemented using the proposed on-chip prototype. • The proposed flow generator has the advantages of small size, simple structure, and being easy to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]