Data from: Acoustic virtual walls enable open, scalable, and programmable microfluidics
Data files
Jul 10, 2026 version files 93.14 MB
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Movie_S1._Funnel-like_Channeling.mov
30.01 MB
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Movie_S2._Meandering_Channeling.mp4
12.56 MB
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Movie_S3._Tunable_Collection_and_Release.mov
18.49 MB
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Movie_S4._Sorting_of_PS_and_PDMS.mov
32.08 MB
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README.md
1.23 KB
Abstract
Microfluidic platforms are widely used across biomedical research, chemical synthesis, diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and materials science for precisely manipulating small volumes of fluids and suspended particles. However, conventional systems rely on narrow physical channels that are prone to clogging, limited volumetric throughput due to high hydraulic resistance, and excessive shear stress that can damage sensitive cells and fragile materials. To overcome these constraints, we introduce acoustic channeling within a wide, open fluid chamber by replacing solid boundaries with Acoustic Virtual Walls. These walls are formed by evanescent acoustic pressure fields generated from an engineered two-dimensional waveguide that suppresses internal wave propagation and produces highly localized subwavelength fields. This architecture minimizes shear stress while guiding particles along precisely defined trajectories. The electronically tunable acoustic field enables programmable, remote, real-time particle control. Supported by simulations, we demonstrate diverse channeling designs, efficient particle collection, and material-specific separation. Operating at milliliter-per-minute flow rates—two orders of magnitude higher than conventional microfluidic systems—this platform enables scalable, clog-free microfluidics for high-throughput and robust applications.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.ghx3ffc41
Description of the data and file structure
This dataset contains video demonstrations of acoustic virtual walls, generated by patterned ultrasonic fields capable of guiding, collecting, and sorting small particles without physical channel walls. By changing the coupler geometry, particles can be directed along funnel-like or curved trajectories, selectively collected and released, or sorted by type. The videos demonstrate these capabilities using polystyrene and PDMS Microparticles within a wide-open chamber.
- Movie_S1._Funnel-like_Channeling.mov: Funnel-like channeling of polystyrene particles within the wide-open chamber.
- Movie_S2._Meandering_Channeling.mp4: Meandering channeling of PDMS particles following a curved trajectory within the wide-open chamber.
- Movie_S3._Tunable_Collection_and_Release.mov: Tunable collection and release of polystyrene particles within the wide-open chamber.
- Movie_S4._Sorting_of_PS_and_PDMS.mov: Sorting of polystyrene and PDMS particles using a single curved trajectory within the wide-open chamber.
