Magnetoactive sponges for dynamic control of microfluidic flow patterns in microphysiological systems.

TitleMagnetoactive sponges for dynamic control of microfluidic flow patterns in microphysiological systems.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsS Hong, Y Jung, R Yen, HF Chan, KW Leong, GA Truskey, and X Zhao
JournalLab on a chip
Volume14
Issue3
Start Page514
Pagination514 - 521
Date Published02/2014
Abstract

We developed a microfluidic flow-control system capable of dynamically generating various flow patterns on demand. The flow-control system is based on novel magnetoactive sponges embedded in microfluidic flow channels. Applying a non-uniform magnetic field compresses the magnetoactive sponge, significantly reducing porosity and hydraulic conductivity. Tuning the applied magnetic field can dynamically vary the flow rate in the microfluidic channel. Pulsatile and physiological flow patterns with frequency between 1 and 3 Hz, flow rates between 0.5 and 10 μL min(-1) and duration over 3 weeks have been achieved. Smooth muscle cells in engineered blood vessels perfused for 7 days aligned perpendicular to the flow direction under pulsatile but not steady flow, similar to the in vivo orientation. Owing to its various advantages over traditional flow-control methods, the new system potentially has important applications in microfluidic-based microphysiological systems to simulate the physiological nature of blood flow.

DOI10.1039/c3lc51076j
Short TitleLab on a chip