Experimental and theoretical investigations of non-Newtonian electro-osmotic driven flow in rectangular microchannels

• DOI: 10.1039/c6sm00408c
• Publication Date: 2016-06-22T20:52:26Z
• Authors: Yi Huang; Juzheng Chen; TeckNeng Wong; Jong-Leng Liow
• Keywords: Shear thinning; Zeta potential; Fluidics

With the development of microfluidics, electro-osmotic (EO) driven flow has gained intense research interest as a result its unique profile and corresponding benefits in application transportation sensitive samples. Sensitive samples, such DNA, are incapable enduring strong shear induced by conventional hydrodynamic methods. EO is thus niche area. However, even though there few studies focusing on bio-fluidic samples related to flow, majority them merely theoretical modeling without solid evidence from experiments due inherent complex rheological behavior bio-fluids. Challenges occur when mechanism meets with rheology; vital questions can zeta potential still be assumed constant dealing fluids rheology? "Does thinning effect enhance flow?" need answered. We conducted using current monitoring microscopy fluorescence methods, developed model coupling generalized Smoluchowski approach power-law constitutive model. calculated compared experimental results answer questions. The show reduction presence PEO aqueous solutions. A also indicated varying concentration electric field strength.The addressed via data calculations. promising enhancement velocity effect.