Light-propelled water could create better microfluidic devices

[Image from Jose-Luis Olivares/MIT]

Light-propelled water could enable microfluidic diagnostic devices with channels and valves that can be reprogrammed quickly, according to Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers.

The system was originally designed to help find a way to separate water and oil to treat the mixture of briny water and crude oil in oil wells. When droplets are small and thoroughly mixed with water, it can be hard for usual electrostatic methods to be effective. Instead, the researchers used surfaces that were photoresponsive, which meant the water could be modified when exposed to light.

Get the full story on our sister site, Medical Design & Outsourcing.

The post Light-propelled water could create better microfluidic devices appeared first on MassDevice.

from MassDevice http://ift.tt/2oK8pIa