Armand Ajdari

Propulsion of a molecular machine by asymmetric distribution of reaction products

A simple model for the reaction-driven propulsion of a small device is proposed as a model for (part of) a molecular machine in aqueous media. The motion of the device is driven by an asymmetric distribution of reaction products. The propulsive velocity of the device is calculated as well as the scale of the velocity fluctuations. The effects of hydrodynamic flow as well as a number of different scenarios for the kinetics of the reaction are addressed.

An integrated AC electrokinetic pump in a microfluidic loop for fast and tunable flow control

We have built a dedicated lab on a chip to study the performance of an integrated electrokinetic micropump, driven by a low voltage AC signal. This micropump consists of an array of interdigitated electrodes and is here integrated in a microfluidic loop. We demonstrate that this device can pump continuously and reproducibly electrolyte solutions of low to moderate ionic strength. The pumping speed reaches up to 500 [micro sign]m s(-1) in 20 [micro sign]m deep and 100 [micro sign]m wide channels with a driving signal in the 1-10 kHz range and an amplitude of only a few volts. In addition, we have observed an interesting reversal of the pumping direction at higher frequencies (50-100 kHz). Our device permits a systematic and automated exploration of the influence of the ionic strength thanks to an integrated micromixer.

Kinetic theory of plastic flow in soft glassy materials.

A kinetic model for the elastoplastic dynamics of a jammed material is proposed, which takes the form of a nonlocal--Boltzmann-like--kinetic equation for the stress distribution function. Coarse graining this equation yields a nonlocal constitutive law for the flow, exhibiting as a key dynamic quantity the local rate of plastic events. This quantity, interpreted as a local fluidity, is spatially correlated with a correlation length diverging in the quasistatic limit, i.e., close to yielding. In line with recent experimental and numerical observations, we predict finite size effects in the flow behavior, as well as the absence of an intrinsic local flow curve.

Fabrication of microfluidic devices for AC electrokinetic fluid pumping

Two techniques for the fabrication of novel microfluidic devices for electrokinetic fluid pumping are presented. Both consist of forming a micro-channel and reservoirs on a transparent cover sheet and patterning an array of interdigitated asymmetric micro-electrodes on a flat substrate. The two techniques differ from each other in their building materials as well as the pattern replication technique used for the cover sheet fabrication. In the first approach, we used a glass substrate for the electrode fabrication and casting of an elastomer for the cover sheet. In the second approach, both cover sheet and substrate are obtained by imprinting plastic pellets on a pre-patterned or flat mold. In assembled devices, pumping has been demonstrated and characterized by optical microscopy. The observed dependence of the pumping velocity on applied voltage and frequency are in line with theoretical predictions.

Transverse electrokinetic and microfluidic effects in micropatterned channels: Lubrication analysis for slab geometries

Off-diagonal (transverse) effects in micropatterned geometries are predicted and analyzed within the general frame of linear-response theory, relating applied pressure gradient and electric field to flow and electric current. These effects could contribute to the design of pumps, mixers, or flow detectors. Shape and charge-density modulations are proposed as a means to obtain sizeable transverse effects, as demonstrated by focusing on simple geometries and using the lubrication approximation.

Microfluidic bypass for efficient passive regulation of droplet traffic at a junction

We propose a simple design for microfabricated junctions that allows an equal and regular distribution of droplets between the two outlets of a T junction. It relies on establishing a connection between the two outlets shortly after the junction to provide short-time memory to the device and induce perfect alternation in the choice of the outlet. We experimentally demonstrate the benefits of this simple passive device by a direct comparison to junctions without bypasses.

Simple model for heterogeneous flows of yield stress fluids.

Various experiments evidence spatial heterogeneities in sheared yield stress fluids. To account for heterogeneities in the velocity gradient direction, we use a simple model corresponding to a nonmonotonic local flow curve and study a simple shear geometry. Different types of boundary conditions are considered. Under controlled macroscopic shear stress Sigma, we find homogeneous flow in the bulk and a hysteretic macroscopic stress-shear-rate curve. Under controlled macroscopic shear rate Gamma;, shear banding is predicted within a range of values of Gamma;. For small shear rates, stick-slip can also be observed. These qualitative behaviors are robust to changes in the boundary conditions.

Slow flows of yield stress fluids: Complex spatiotemporal behavior within a simple elastoplastic model

A minimal athermal model for the flow of dense disordered materials is proposed, based on two generic ingredients: local plastic events occuring above a microscopic yield stress, and the nonlocal elastic release of the stress these events induce in the material. A complex spatiotemporal rheological behavior results, with features in line with recent experimental observations. At low shear rates, macroscopic flow actually originates from collective correlated bursts of plastic events, taking place in dynamically generated fragile zones. The related correlation length diverges algebraically at small shear rates. In confined geometries, bursts occur preferentially close to the walls, yielding an intermittent form of flow localization.

Electrophoresis of polyampholytes

We consider the motion and the deformation of Gaussian polyampholytes in free flow electrophoresis, i.e., in an applied external electric field. The electrophoretic mobility and the deformation of the chains are calculated in the linear regime, as functions of the charge distribution along the backbone and of the salt concentration. The results in salt-free solutions differ from those in solutions with a high concentration of salt even at the level of scaling laws. It is shown that in solutions with a high salt concentration, the electrophoretic mobility of a given polyampholyte strongly depends not only on its total charge but also on the details of the charge distribution along the chain. The very direction of motion can also depend on it. Indeed, even “neutral” polyampholytes, i.e., chains with equal number of positive and negative charges can move in an applied electric field. To demonstrate further these effects, we systematically compare the behavior of the linear and circular chains.

Analytic results for the three-sphere swimmer at low Reynolds number

The simple model of a low Reynolds number swimmer made from three spheres that are connected by two arms is considered in its general form and analyzed. The swimming velocity, force-velocity response, power consumption, and efficiency of the swimmer are calculated both for general deformations and also for specific model prescriptions. The role of noise and coherence in the stroke cycle is also discussed.