A versatile microfluidic intermediate delivery reservoir for isolating fluid dynamics in serially interconnected microfluidic networks
(2026) In Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers 178.- Abstract
Background: Serially interconnected microfluidic devices enable advanced applications such as multi-step chemical processing and multi-organ-on-chip systems. However, managing these systems presents challenges due to interdependent fluid dynamics in their connecting channels, where even minor disturbances can propagate throughout the network, affecting overall system performance. Methods: This study introduces a microfluidic-based intermediate delivery reservoir (mIDR) designed to decouple flow interdependencies between serially connected devices while preserving essential microfluidic features, such as consistent liquid residence time. When integrated with a pneumatic pump, the mIDR enables precise liquid pressure regulation and... (More)
Background: Serially interconnected microfluidic devices enable advanced applications such as multi-step chemical processing and multi-organ-on-chip systems. However, managing these systems presents challenges due to interdependent fluid dynamics in their connecting channels, where even minor disturbances can propagate throughout the network, affecting overall system performance. Methods: This study introduces a microfluidic-based intermediate delivery reservoir (mIDR) designed to decouple flow interdependencies between serially connected devices while preserving essential microfluidic features, such as consistent liquid residence time. When integrated with a pneumatic pump, the mIDR enables precise liquid pressure regulation and independent control of both inlet and outlet flow rates. Its wedge-shaped open-channel structure generates capillary force gradients, enhancing liquid transfer efficiency. Experimental validation using time-sensitive enzymatic reactions confirms its ability to maintain laminar flow characteristics, isolate crosstalk, and stabilize interconnected microfluidic device operation. Significant findings: The open-channel design of the mIDR expands its versatility, allowing for additional functionalities such as debubbling and direct accessibility, which combine the advantages of both open and closed microfluidic systems. This innovation provides a robust and flexible solution for controlling fluid dynamics in complex microfluidic networks, offering improved reliability and efficiency for multi-step (bio)chemical processes.
(Less)
- author
- Shen, Kao Mai ; Morikawa, Kyojiro ; Kitamori, Takehiko LU and Chen, Chihchen
- organization
- publishing date
- 2026
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- Bubble, Capillary force, Continuous flow, Flow decoupling, Fluid network, Microfluidics
- in
- Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers
- volume
- 178
- article number
- 106389
- publisher
- Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:105015135459
- ISSN
- 1876-1070
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106389
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- abfc2822-7455-48eb-88ed-5abc2b57ca16
- date added to LUP
- 2025-10-02 10:05:37
- date last changed
- 2025-10-02 10:06:12
@article{abfc2822-7455-48eb-88ed-5abc2b57ca16,
abstract = {{<p>Background: Serially interconnected microfluidic devices enable advanced applications such as multi-step chemical processing and multi-organ-on-chip systems. However, managing these systems presents challenges due to interdependent fluid dynamics in their connecting channels, where even minor disturbances can propagate throughout the network, affecting overall system performance. Methods: This study introduces a microfluidic-based intermediate delivery reservoir (mIDR) designed to decouple flow interdependencies between serially connected devices while preserving essential microfluidic features, such as consistent liquid residence time. When integrated with a pneumatic pump, the mIDR enables precise liquid pressure regulation and independent control of both inlet and outlet flow rates. Its wedge-shaped open-channel structure generates capillary force gradients, enhancing liquid transfer efficiency. Experimental validation using time-sensitive enzymatic reactions confirms its ability to maintain laminar flow characteristics, isolate crosstalk, and stabilize interconnected microfluidic device operation. Significant findings: The open-channel design of the mIDR expands its versatility, allowing for additional functionalities such as debubbling and direct accessibility, which combine the advantages of both open and closed microfluidic systems. This innovation provides a robust and flexible solution for controlling fluid dynamics in complex microfluidic networks, offering improved reliability and efficiency for multi-step (bio)chemical processes.</p>}},
author = {{Shen, Kao Mai and Morikawa, Kyojiro and Kitamori, Takehiko and Chen, Chihchen}},
issn = {{1876-1070}},
keywords = {{Bubble; Capillary force; Continuous flow; Flow decoupling; Fluid network; Microfluidics}},
language = {{eng}},
publisher = {{Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers}},
series = {{Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers}},
title = {{A versatile microfluidic intermediate delivery reservoir for isolating fluid dynamics in serially interconnected microfluidic networks}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106389}},
doi = {{10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106389}},
volume = {{178}},
year = {{2026}},
}