Controlled Magnetohydrodynamic Fluidic Networks and Stirrers

Abstract

The present invention relates to controlled, magnetohydrodynamically-driven, fluidic networks containing a plurality of individually controlled branches. The branches consist of conduits equipped with pairs of electrodes that are controlled by electrode controllers. In operation, the network is placed within a magnetic field and potentials or currents are applied across electrode pairs within the various branches of the network in specifically determined magnitudes and polarities for specifically determined time intervals in accordance with an activation sequence that may be determined by an algorithm. Placed within a temperature gradient, at least a part of the network can act as a thermal cycler for use in biological interactions that employ temperature variations. The invention also relates to magnetohydrodynamic stirrers comprising a conduit or cavity having at least two electrodes disposed in such an orientation that, upon the application of a potential or current across the electrode pair within a magnetic field, secondary flows such as chaotic advection is generated.

1 .- 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A magnetohydrodynamic stirrer comprising:
 a chamber that defines a void, the chamber having at least one sidewall that defines a perimeter of the void, the chamber further including a top wall and an opposing bottom wall that each extend perpendicularly from said at least one sidewall, wherein the top wall and bottom wall define a top and bottom of the void, respectively;   a first electrode disposed about the perimeter of the void, proximate the at least one sidewall;   a second electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber;   a third electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber; and   a controller in operational engagement with said electrodes,   said controller, during operation, being capable of modulating the application of a potential, a current, or both between at least two of said electrodes so as to give rise to flow of a liquid within said chamber during operation of said stirrer.   
     
     
         16 . The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of  claim 15 , wherein at least one of said second and third electrodes extends into the void. 
     
     
         17 . The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of  claim 15 , wherein at least one of said electrodes is essentially flush with said top wall or flush with said bottom wall. 
     
     
         18 . The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of  claim 15 , wherein the first electrode is disposed about an entirety of the perimeter. 
     
     
         19 . The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of  claim 15 , wherein the first electrode is disposed about less than an entirety of the perimeter. 
     
     
         20 . The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of  claim 15 , wherein the first electrode extends vertically between the top wall and the bottom wall. 
     
     
         21 . The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of  claim 15 , wherein said chamber comprises an inlet and an outlet. 
     
     
         22 . The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of  claim 15 , wherein said controller is configured to effect application of a periodic potential, current, or both between at least two of said electrodes so as to give rise to chaotic advection within a liquid disposed within said chamber during operation of said stirrer. 
     
     
         23 . The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of  claim 15 , wherein said controller is configured to effect application of a non-periodic potential, current, or both between at least two of said electrodes so as to give rise to chaotic advection within a liquid disposed within said chamber during operation of said stirrer. 
     
     
         24 . A magnetohydrodynamic stirrer comprising:
 a chamber that defines a void, the chamber having at least one sidewall that defines a perimeter of the void, the chamber further including a top wall and an opposing bottom wall that each extend perpendicularly from said at least one sidewall, wherein the top wall and bottom wall define a top and bottom of the void, respectively;   a first electrode having at least a partially annular shape spaced apart from said at least one sidewall;   a second electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber;   a third electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber; and   a controller in operational engagement with said electrodes,   said controller, during operation, being capable of the application of a potential, a current, or both between at least two of said electrodes so as to give rise to flow of a liquid within said chamber during operation of said stirrer.   
     
     
         25 . The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of  claim 24 , wherein at least one of said second and third electrodes is a pin that extends into the void. 
     
     
         26 . The magnetohydrodynamic stirrer of  claim 24 , wherein at least one of said electrodes is essentially flush with said top wall or bottom wall, respectively. 
     
     
         27 . A method for generating Lorentz body forces in a fluid that is at least slightly conductive within a magnetohydrodynamic stirrer, the magnetohydronamic stirrer comprising a chamber that defines a void, the chamber having at least one sidewall that defines a perimeter of the void, the chamber further including a top wall and an opposing bottom wall that each extend perpendicularly from said at least one sidewall, wherein the top wall and bottom wall define a top and bottom of the void, respectively; the method comprising:
 charging the chamber with the fluid; and   among (a) a first electrode disposed about the perimeter of the void, proximate the at least one sidewall, (b) a second electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber, and (c) a third electrode disposed on either of the top wall or bottom wall of the chamber, applying a potential, a current, or both between at least two of said electrodes so as to give rise to flow of a liquid within said chamber.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the fluid is at least partially disposed within a magnetic field oriented approximately perpendicular both to the orientation of an axis of flow of the liquid through the chamber and to the orientation of a current or potential applied across the electrodes. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the applying includes implementing an activation sequence of currents or potentials having specific magnitudes and polarities across specific electrode pairs of the fluidic network for specific time intervals. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29  wherein the activation sequence is determined by an algorithm. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 29  wherein the activation sequence is determined prior to its implementation in the chamber. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 29  wherein the activation sequence is determined with information about a state of fluid within the chamber.