Ju Min Kim

Tumbling dynamics of rod-like and semi-flexible polymers in simple shear and mixed flows

In this work, we focus on the tumbling dynamics of rod-like and semi-flexible polymers in mixed flows, which vary from simple shear to pure rotation. By employing a bead-rod model, the tumbling pathways and periods are examined with a focus on the angular distribution of their orientation. Under the mixed flows, the tumbling dynamics agreed well with earlier studies and confirmed the predicted scaling laws. We found that the angular distribution deviates from that of shear flow as the flow type approaches pure rotation. Finally, we investigated the angular distribution of λ-DNA in a shear flow and found that the present numerical simulations were in quantitative agreement with the previous experimental data.

Kinematic analyses of a cross-slot microchannel applicable to cell deformability measurement under inertial or viscoelastic flow

A cross-slot microchannel has been harnessed for a wide range of applications, such as label-free measurements of cell deformability and rheological characterization of complex fluids. This work investigates flow kinematics in a cross-slot microchannel used for the measurements of cell deformability utilizing finite element method (FEM)- based numerical simulation. In a cross-slot microchannel, the cell is stretched near the stagnation of the cross-slot channel, and cell deformation is significantly affected by its trajectory. Two passive methods, inertia- and viscoelasticity-based, which do not rely on any external force such as an electric field, have been applied to focus particles along the channel centerline so that the cell trajectories are unified. However, it is not well understood how the flow kinematics inside the cross-slot channel is altered by the inertial or viscoelastic effect when these two methods are employed. This work demonstrates that the flow kinematics such as the distributions of flow type and strain rate is notably changed with an increase in the Reynolds number when an inertia-based method is employed. On the other hand, flow kinematics does not significantly deviate from that of an inertia-less Newtonian fluid irrespective of the Weissenberg numbers when a viscoelasticity-based method is used. The current work will be helpful for the design and operation of a cross-slot microdevice for measuring cell deformability.

Soft-, shape changing materials toward physicochemically powered actuators

A shape changing material (SCM) morphs its shape upon external stimulus, and it offers a design of complex 3-dimensional structures remotely, which can be potentially useful for biomedical tools, drug delivery, and soft robotics. To actuate such structures through a physicochemical stimulus, stimuli-responsive materials have been studied over the past few decades. Several SCMs have been reported by combining novel stimuli-responsive materials, micropatterning techniques and a unique actuation cue. In this review, we introduce a recent development in SCMs within the aspects of their materials and structures to describe how the materials can be designed and actuated on demand. Finally, we discuss the future direction and challenges for SCMs as physicochemically-powered actuators.