The electro-micromixer utilizes a hexagonal mixing chamber design.

Abstract

The invention proposes an electroosmosis micromixer utilizing a symmetrical hexagonal mixing chamber design to enhance mixing efficiency in microfluidic systems. The device comprises at least two inlet channels, one outlet channel, and a hexagonal mixing chamber positioned between the channels. A symmetrical coplanar electrode system, preferably consisting of four electrodes connected to a DC power source, is arranged on the mixing chamber wall to create an electric field within the mixing zone. Under the influence of this electric field, electroosmosis generates micro-flow vortices within the mixing chamber. Thanks to the hexagonal structure with multiple axes of symmetry, these micro-vortices are evenly distributed and interact throughout the mixing zone, increasing the stretching and folding of the flow, thereby improving mixing efficiency compared to traditional structures. The device operates effectively under laminar flow conditions and is capable of achieving near-complete mixing even at low voltages.The invention can be fabricated using microfabrication technologies such as photolithography, polymer molding, and substrate bonding, suitable for integration into lab-on-chip systems for biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical analysis.