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2026 , Vol. 31 >Issue 3: 734 - 741

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12204-025-2876-7

Celebrating 30 Years

Magnetic Biomimetic Cilia Arrays Enable Dynamic Control of Microfluids

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  • School of Mechanical and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China

Received date: 2025-05-23

  Revised date: 2025-07-21

  Accepted date: 2025-07-23

  Online published: 2025-12-01

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Abstract

This study introduces an innovative method for dynamic control of microfluids using bionic magnetic cilia arrays, combining theoretical analysis with experimental verification to achieve precise and localized manipulation of microfluidic motion driven by magnetic force. Leveraging 3D printing technology, a microcolumn array mold was fabricated, and the dynamic response of magnetic microcolumns was systematically analyzed using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Ecoflex as substrate materials. The effects of substrate material properties, doping ratios, and additives on the performance of the cilia arrays were investigated. Experimental results reveal that the mechanical properties of the substrate, particularly elastic modulus, are the primary factors influencing the dynamic response angle. Notably, the Ecoflex substrate demonstrated significantly superior performance compared to PDMS, and the incorporation of graphene oxide enhanced the functionality of the magnetic microcolumns. Furthermore, in fluid pumping scenarios, a dimensionless coefficient evaluation of pumping capacity was implemented, and the doping ratios of magnetic materials and additives were optimized. Through experimentally-informed analysis, this study advances the design of microfluidic systems, providing a robust foundation for applications in precision medicine and personalized treatment.

Cite this article

Yang Pufan, Zhang Zhinan . Magnetic Biomimetic Cilia Arrays Enable Dynamic Control of Microfluids[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Science), 2026 , 31(3) : 734 -741 . DOI: 10.1007/s12204-025-2876-7

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