EXPERIMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF FLUID SAMPLE TUBING FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FEEDBACK DROPLET MICROLFUIDIC CONTROL SYSTEMS

In comparing experimentally determined input-output pressure (IOP) dynamics, via a transfer function (TF), across sample tubing to that predicted by the hydrodynamic equivalent circuit model (HECM) currently used by a pressure-driven feedback droplet microfluidic control system (FDMCS), experimental results show that IOP dynamics for the sample tubing are inadequately modeled by the HECM.A FDMCS has been developed allowing users to generate and manipulate droplets on demand, however, the current design's manipulations are too imprecise for biochemical applications.Experimental characterization of the dynamics of each component of the physical system will lead to an improved design, enhanced performance, and adoption of the FDMCS for biochemical implementations.Towards this development, we designed an experiment to obtain a pressure TF across the sample tubing used in the FDMCS using frequency response (FR) techniques.Comparing experimental and HECM pressure transient responses shows that sample tubing dynamics are poorly modeled by the HECM, inhibiting FDMCS performance.Further investigation into the sample tubing dynamics is warranted to ensure the FDMCS is utilizable in the biochemical field.Uncertainties not shown for clarity