Abstract:
Mechanics of electrohydrodynamically (EHD) enhanced multiphase flows in microfluidics and miniaturised
passages were reviewed to further improve understanding and design of various multiphase flow transport,
mixing, and seperation devices operating with polarizable particles such as DNA. Dielectrophoretic is used
in microfluidics to move, separate, or mix biological particles. A proper understanding and modelling of
multiphase flows in micro-channels is the key for the optimum design of microfluidics. The modelling
requires a through understanding of transient physical processes and micro-fluid flow mechanics at micro
and submicron scales. The review shows that nature of the multiphase flow, and miniaturisation and
geometry of both electrodes and flow passages in microfluidics can affect on fluid properties such as fluid
viscosity, fluid characteristics whether laminar, transitional or turbulent flow, fully developed or not, slip
flow or not, steady or transient, and especially electrodynamics forces.
Finally the review concludes that there are substantial differences exist between the design in microfluidic
and microfluidic scales which should be understood and incorporated in the design and fabrication of
microfluidics used for DNA analysis leading to an improved predictive capability of models and design of
DNA in microfluidics.
