Mobile microrobotic manipulator in microfluidics

In situ physical micromanipulation technology of colloids inside microfluidic devices can open various lab-on-a-chip applications. This paper reports a development of mobile microrobotic manipulators in microfluidic devices (MRMF). The microrobotic agents are made up of a PMN-PT and a nickel bilayer, then integrated inside a multiport microfluidic device in which liquid is injected. The process is based on conventional batch microfabrication techniques. Process and associated design issues which are critical for the manufacturing of these devices are described. Enhanced manipulation performances in terms of force, displacement range and workspace-to-dimension ratio were achieved thanks to the reduced dimensions of microfluidic system. The use of the designed microrobots in microfluidic devices is demonstrated for wireless microbubble manipulation and microsphere cargo transportation. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.