Microflow Switching using Artificial Cilia for On‐Demand Particle Manipulation

Artificial cilia have been recognized as a practical technique for dynamic flow manipulation in microfluidic systems. This study developed a magnetically actuated artificial cilia based microfluidic platform to achieve frequency‐dependent microflow switching and particle manipulation. Cilia structures are fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane embedded with magnetic particles and actuated by external oscillating magnetic fields. Regulating the actuation frequency between 30 and 40 Hz established reversible transitions between particle trapping and release states. At 40 Hz, stable trapping zones are created due to amplified shear gradients and vortex structures, while at 30 Hz, reduced circulation allowed controlled particle release. A trapping efficiency exceeding 83.3% is observed, along with a mixing efficiency of 79.8% achieved under 40 Hz actuation, demonstrating effective particle confinement and substantial flow manipulation performance. The employed flow visualization and particle tracking techniques revealed that the flow switching function is primarily enabled by the generation of localized shear gradients and vortex structures. The system illustrated real‐time, adaptable control over particle behavior, indicating its potential for microfluidic devices, diagnostics, and soft microrobotic applications.