Chaotic mixing in three-dimensional microvascular networks fabricated by direct-write assembly

• Published in: Nature materials Vol. 2; no. 4; pp. 265 - 271
• Main Authors: Therriault, Daniel, White, Scott R., Lewis, Jennifer A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.04.2003; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Advection; Biomaterials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed Matter Physics; Epoxy Resins - chemistry; Equipment Design; Fabrication; Ink; Materials Science; Materials Testing - methods; Microchemistry - instrumentation; Microchemistry - methods; Microcirculation; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Miniaturization; Models, Cardiovascular; Nanotechnology; Nanotechnology - instrumentation; Nanotechnology - methods; Nonlinear Dynamics; Optical and Electronic Materials; Rheology - instrumentation; Rheology - methods; Robotics
• ISSN: 1476-1122; 1476-4660
• DOI: 10.1038/nmat863

The creation of geometrically complex fluidic devices is a subject of broad fundamental and technological interest. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) microvascular networks through direct-write assembly of a fugitive organic ink. This approach yields a pervasive network of smooth cylindrical channels (∼10–300 μm) with defined connectivity. Square-spiral towers, isolated within this vascular network, promote fluid mixing through chaotic advection. These vertical towers give rise to dramatic improvements in mixing relative to simple straight (1D) and square-wave (2D) channels while significantly reducing the device planar footprint. We envisage that 3D microvascular networks will provide an enabling platform for a wide array of fluidic-based applications.