THE CHALLENGE:
Acoustofluidics, the integration of acoustic waves with microfluidic systems, plays a crucial role in manipulating particles and cells for applications in biomedical research, diagnostics, and lab-on-a-chip technologies. This technology enables precise control over fluid flow, particle concentration, and cell alignment without physical contact, making it essential for developing advanced wearable sensors, embedded electronic devices, and portable diagnostic tools. The ability to manipulate biological specimens in a controlled manner is vital for advancing fields such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and single-cell analysis, where maintaining the integrity and viability of cells is paramount.
Despite its potential, current acoustofluidic approaches face significant challenges that hinder their widespread adoption and effectiveness. Traditional systems often rely on wired connections for power and signal transmission, limiting their portability and integration into wearable or implantable devices. Additionally, wired setups can introduce constraints in terms of flexibility and scalability, making it difficult to apply acoustic manipulation in diverse and dynamic environments. There is also a need for efficient power transfer methods that can operate through various media, such as tissues or bones, without causing excessive heating or energy loss. These limitations necessitate the development of wireless solutions that can overcome connectivity barriers, enhance user comfort, and expand the applicability of acoustofluidic technologies in real-world settings.
OUR SOLUTION:
The wireless acoustofluidic device integrates wireless power transfer (WPT) with surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology to manipulate nanoparticles and cells within a microfluidic chamber. It features an acoustic chip equipped with interdigital transducers (IDTs) on a lithium niobate piezoelectric wafer, a removable microfluidic chamber for sample handling, and a WPT module that transmits power wirelessly through inductive coupling, even through media like tissue or bone. By matching the resonance frequencies of the WPT module and the IDTs, the device efficiently generates acoustic waves such as Lamb waves and SAWs, enabling functions like acoustic streaming, particle concentration, and the arrangement of particles and cells. Additionally, frequency-multiplexed IDTs allow for independent control of multiple acoustic waves at different frequencies, facilitating complex manipulations like particle patterning and cell alignment. The biocompatible acoustic waves make the device suitable for applications in wearable sensors, embedded electronics, lab-on-a-chip systems, and integration with biomedical equipment without the need for wired connections.
This technology is differentiated by its ability to wirelessly manipulate micro and nano-scale objects without the constraints of physical connections, making it highly versatile for various applications. The integration of WPT with SAW enables efficient power transfer through diverse media, allowing remote operations in environments where wired connections are impractical. The use of frequency-multiplexed IDTs is a significant innovation, enabling the generation and control of multiple acoustic waves using a single WPT module with multiple resonant frequencies. This approach simplifies the system architecture compared to using multiple electrical sources while supporting complex wave patterns for advanced particle and cell manipulations. Furthermore, the device demonstrates robust performance with minimal heating, maintains functionality over varying distances, and supports a range of acoustofluidic functions such as particle sorting, nanoparticle patterning, and cell alignment. These unique features position the system as a leading solution for applications in engineering, biology, medicine, and chemistry where remote and intricate manipulation of samples is essential.
ADVANTAGES:
- Wireless operation eliminates the need for wired connections, enhancing portability and flexibility.
- Efficient power transfer through inductive coupling, even through media like tissue or bone.
- Precise manipulation of nanoparticles and cells using acoustic waves for applications such as particle concentration, sorting, and cell alignment.
- Frequency-multiplexed IDTs allow independent control of multiple acoustic waves, enabling complex manipulations.
- Biocompatible and minimal heating during operation, making it suitable for biomedical applications.
- Suitable for integration into wearable sensors, embedded electronics, and lab-on-a-chip systems.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Wearable biosensors
- Lab-on-a-chip systems
- Biomedical equipment integration
- Point-of-care diagnostics
- Embedded electronics manipulation
