Developing an Active Microfluidic Pump and Mixer Driven by AC Field-Effect-Mediated Induced-Charge Electro-Osmosis of Metal–Dielectric Janus Micropillars: Physical Perspective and Simulation Analysis

We propose herein a novel microfluidic approach for the simultaneous active pumping and mixing of analytes in straight microchannel via AC field-effect control induced-charge electro-osmosis (ICEO) around metal–dielectric solid Janus cylinders inherent inhomogeneous electrical polarizability immersed an electrolyte solution. coin term “Janus flow transistor (Janus AC-FFET)” to describe this interesting physical phenomenon. The proposed technique utilizes simple device geometry, which one or series microcylinders are arranged parallel along centerline channel’s bottom surface, embedding pair 3D sidewall driving electrodes. By combining symmetry breaking both surface powering scheme, it is possible, on demand, adjust degree asymmetry ICEO profile two orthogonal directions, includes horizontal pump transversal rotating motion. A comprehensive mathematical model was developed under Debye–Hückel limit elucidate mechanism underlying field-effect-reconfigurable diffuse-charge dynamics dielectric metal-phase surfaces micropillar. For innovation applied science, advanced microdevice design integrating array discrete subjected oppositely polarized gate terminals recommended constructing mixer, even without external moving parts. Supported by simulation analysis, our demonstration AC-FFET provides brand-new muti-directional electro-convective manipulation modern systems.