Suppression of acoustic streaming in liquids of inhomogeneous density and compressibility
Abstract: This thesis provides strong evidence that acoustic streaming is suppressed when using liquids of inhomogeneous density and compressibility in acoustophoresis. Manipulation of extremely small particles in acoustophoresis is something that usually is impaired by acoustic streaming. The project was divided into three aims. Firstly, a particle tracking software (GDPT) was evaluated using 3 μm polystyrene beads letting them sediment inside of a microchannel. Then, the flow of 1 μm and 4.8 μm polystyrene beads was studied separately, influenced by an acoustic field. The obtained trajectories and velocities of these beads were then solved analytically with existing theory describing acoustophoretic particle motion. Lastly and most importantly, the acoustic streaming of 1 μm polystyrene beads was examined when laminating the particle-solution with a density gradient medium called iodixanol, following acoustic actuation. The evaluation of the GDPT-software and the particle trajectories and velocities were deemed as valid since they corresponded to theoretical expectations. Regarding the main goal of the project, it was found that when using inhomogeneous medium, the acoustic streaming would decrease by a factor of 57, in comparison to when homogeneous medium is used. The acoustic streaming is thus mainly influenced by the acoustic radiation force, giving a lateral motion of the polystyrene beads. Ultimately, these results indicate that it will be possible to manipulate and deal with particles as small as bacteria and viruses in acoustophoresis, giving a potential tool, globally speaking, in the fight against aggressive infections in today’s healthcare.
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