Assessing ultrasonic and optical flow velocimetry in a millifluidic device using oil-in-water emulsions as blood mimicking fluid

Blood-mimicking fluids (BMFs) play a critical role in ultrasonic imaging and Doppler flow studies by replicating the physical and acoustic properties of blood. This study introduces a novel soybean oil-in-water emulsion as a BMF with particle size akin to red blood cells. Using a millifluidic device, we cross-validated flow profiles through both Doppler velocimetry and optical particle tracking, demonstrating compatibility with theoretical Poiseuille flow models. The millifluidic chip, fabricated via stereolithography, provided an optimized platform for dual optical and ultrasonic assessments. Results showed strong agreement between the two methods across a range of flow rates, affirming the suitability of the emulsion for velocimetry applications. Furthermore, the acoustic properties of soybean oil droplets support their potential as an echogenic and stable alternative to conventional BMFs. • Soybean oil droplets offer an echogenic and stable blood-mimicking alternative. • Millifluidic chip enables dual optical and ultrasonic flow profile measurements. • Strong agreement shown between Doppler and optical velocimetry techniques. • Non-destructive millifluidic channel dimensions analyzed via flow velocity data.