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Nature-inspired micro-fluidic manipulation using artificial cilia

Ziel

The ARTIC project deals with an innovative method of fluid manipulation in micro-fluidics systems, inspired by nature, namely by the mechanisms found in ciliates. A cilium can be viewed as a small hair or flexible rod (typical length 10 mm and diameter 0. 1mm) attached to the surface of micro-organisms. The cilia move back and forth collectively in a particular concerted manner, and are in this way quite effective in generating propulsion or flow (order of several mm/s).

The overall objective of the ART IC project is to explore and develop a novel micro-fluidics technology on the basis of polymeric micro-actuators inspired by the natural ciliates. The preferred method for controlled actuation of artificial cilia arrays is by using a magnetic field and incorporating magnetic nanoparticles in the polymeric cilia. The nature of the manipulation may be quite broad: transportation, mixing, sorting, deforming, or rupturing. Typical sizes of the micro-fluid channel widths and heights range from several to hundreds of micrometers.

The ability to manipulate fluids in micro-channels will be essential for the development of future high-tech applications like biosensor devices, micro-channel cooling of electronics, pharmaceutical and chemical high-throughput testing and controlled drug delivery systems. The multidisciplinary character of the project is reflected by the consortium that comprises one large industrial partner, one SME and six university groups.

The industrial partners are in the fields of micro/nanotechnology and medical systems (Philips, NL), and magnetic materials (Liquids Research Ltd., UK). The university groups are world-class in the fields of polymer synthesis and nanostructuring (Freiburg, DE), micro-mechanical modelling (Groningen, NL), electromagnetic modelling and design (Bucharest, RO), biomimetics (Bath, UK), fluid flow measurement (Delft, NL), and fluid-structure interaction modelling (Eindhoven, NL).

Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung

FP6-2004-NMP-TI-4
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PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NEDERLAND B.V.
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EINDHOVEN
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