Tobias Baier

Propulsion mechanisms for Leidenfrost solids on ratchets

We propose a model for the propulsion of Leidenfrost solids on ratchets based on viscous drag due to the flow of evaporating vapor. The model assumes pressure-driven flow described by the Navier-Stokes equations and is mainly studied in lubrication approximation. A scaling expression is derived for the dependence of the propulsive force on geometric parameters of the ratchet surface and properties of the sublimating solid. We show that the model results as well as the scaling law compare favorably with experiments and are able to reproduce the experimentally observed scaling with the size of the solid.

Towards a “Sample-In, Answer-Out” Point-of-Care Platform for Nucleic Acid Extraction and Amplification: Using an HPV E6/E7 mRNA Model System

The paper presents the development of a “proof-of-principle” hands-free and self-contained diagnostic platform for detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 mRNA in clinical specimens. The automated platform performs chip-based sample preconcentration, nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and real-time fluorescent detection with minimal user interfacing. It consists of two modular prototypes, one for sample preparation and one for amplification and detection; however, a common interface is available to facilitate later integration into one single module. Nucleic acid extracts (n = 28) from cervical cytology specimens extracted on the sample preparation chip were tested using the PreTect HPV-Proofer and achieved an overall detection rate for HPV across all dilutions of 50%–85.7%. A subset of 6 clinical samples extracted on the sample preparation chip module was chosen for complete validation on the NASBA chip module. For 4 of the samples, a 100% amplification for HPV 16 or 33 was obtained at the 1 : 10 dilution for microfluidic channels that filled correctly. The modules of a “sample-in, answer-out” diagnostic platform have been demonstrated from clinical sample input through sample preparation, amplification and final detection.

Small onset voltages in negative corona discharges using the edges of gold and aluminum foils as nano-structured electrodes

Gold and aluminum foils with nano-structured edges were investigated as electrodes for corona discharges in nitrogen and ambient air. Low onset voltages were observed due to the field enhancement near the edges of the foil. The lowest onset voltage was determined to be about 1.2 kV in ambient air and about 1.1 kV in nitrogen for a 5 mm inter-electrode spacing. This is significantly smaller than the values reported in the literature for sharp tips with similar electrode spacing. The foil-based electrode tips are extremely simple to produce, making them candidates for low-cost, low power consumption and easily available corona-discharge technology.

Self-propelling uneven Leidenfrost solids

Placed on a hot surface, a solid that sublimates at atmospheric pressure can levitate on a cushion of its own vapor. Discovered by Leidenfrost, this effect has mostly been studied with liquids. Whereas the shape of a droplet is determined by a competition between gravity, surface tension, and stress in the vapor layer, a solid does not deform. In this paper, we show experimentally and theoretically that asymmetric mass distributions in a Leidenfrost solid can lead to a non homogenous vapor layer in which the lubrication flow generates a lateral force able to propel the body.

Sample dispersion in isotachophoresis with Poiseuille counterflow

A particular mode of isotachophoresis (ITP) employs a pressure-driven flow opposite to the sample electromigration direction in order to anchor a sample zone at a specific position along a channel or capillary. We investigate this situation using a two-dimensional finite-volume model based on the Nernst-Planck equation. The imposed Poiseuille flow profile leads to a significant dispersion of the sample zone. This effect is detrimental for the resolution in analytical applications of ITP. We investigate the impact of convective dispersion, characterized by the area-averaged width of a sample zone, for various values of the sample Peclet-number, as well as the relative mobilities of the sample and the adjacent electrolytes. A one-dimensional model for the area-averaged concentrations based on a Taylor-Aris-type effective axial diffusivity is shown to yield good agreement with the finite-volume calculations. This justifies the use of such simple models and opens the door for the rapid simulation of ITP proto...

Thermally driven flows between a Leidenfrost solid and a ratchet surface.

The significance of thermally driven flows for the propulsion of Leidenfrost solids on a ratchet surface is studied based on a numerical solution of the Boltzmann equation. The resulting flow patterns are dominated by vortices developing at the edges of the ratchet teeth. In a previous analysis it had been claimed that thermally driven flows could cause the propulsion of Leidenfrost objects. In contrast to that analysis, it is found that such flows make an insignificant contribution to the thrust of Leidenfrost solids on ratchet surfaces, which is dominated by the pressure-driven flow due to the sublimating solid.

Transition zone dynamics in combined isotachophoretic and electro-osmotic transport

The present study focuses on the interplay of isotachophoresis (ITP) and electro-osmotic flow (EOF). While EOF is commonly suppressed in ITP applications, we investigate scenarios of the combination of both EOF and ITP. Experimental results of ITP/EOF experiments within cross-patterned polymer chips show characteristic deformations of fluorescent sample zones sandwiched between leading and trailing electrolytes. A changing curvature of the deformation is observed during ITP/EOF runs, but overall a well defined sample segment is maintained after a transport over a few centimeters. By means of numerical modeling we study the deformation attributed to the mismatch of EOF between leading and trailing electrolytes. The model results are found to qualitatively agree with our experimental findings. We introduce the ratio of the EOF velocities in the leading and trailing electrolyte, expressed via the respective mobilities, as a dimensionless parameter γ and show that in the case where electro-osmotically induced...

Isotachophoresis with emulsions

An experimental study on isotachophoresis (ITP) in which an emulsion is used as leading electrolyte (LE) is reported. The study aims at giving an overview about the transport and flow phenomena occurring in that context. Generally, it is observed that the oil droplets initially dispersed in the LE are collected at the ITP transition zone and advected along with it. The detailed behavior at the transition zone depends on whether or not surfactants (polyvinylpyrrolidon, PVP) are added to the electrolytes. In a system without surfactants, coalescence is observed between the droplets collected at the ITP transition zone. After having achieved a certain size, the droplets merge with the channel walls, leaving an oil film behind. In systems with PVP, coalescence is largely suppressed and no merging of droplets with the channel walls is observed. Instead, at the ITP transition zone, a droplet agglomerate of increasing size is formed. In the initial stages of the ITP experiments, two counter rotating vortices are formed inside the terminating electrolyte. The vortex formation is qualitatively explained based on a hydrodynamic instability triggered by fluctuations of the number density of oil droplets.

Thermocapillary flow on superhydrophobic surfaces

A liquid in Cassie-Baxter state above a structured superhydrophobic surface is ideally suited for surface driven transport due to its large free surface fraction in close contact to a solid. We investigate thermal Marangoni flow over a superhydrophobic array of fins oriented parallel or perpendicular to an applied temperature gradient. In the Stokes limit we derive an analytical expression for the bulk flow velocity above the surface and compare it with numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes equation. Even for moderate temperature gradients comparatively large flow velocities are induced, suggesting to utilize this principle for microfluidic pumping.

Thermally induced gas flows in ratchet channels with diffuse and specular boundaries

A net gas flow can be induced in the gap between periodically structured surfaces held at fixed but different temperatures when the reflection symmetry along the channel axis is broken. Such a situation arises when one surface features a ratchet structure and can be augmented by altering the boundary conditions on different parts of this surface, with some regions reflecting specularly and others diffusely. In order to investigate the physical mechanisms inducing the flow in this configuration at various Knudsen numbers and geometric configurations, direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) simulations are employed using transient adaptive subcells for collision partner selection. At large Knudsen numbers the results compare favorably with analytical expressions, while for small Knudsen numbers a qualitative explanation for the flow in the strong temperature inhomogeneity at the tips of the ratchet is provided. A detailed investigation of the performance for various ratchet geometries suggests optimum working conditions for a Knudsen pump based on this mechanism.