Nanocelluloses can be found in the form of cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanofibers and they can be produced from a variety of plant tissues. They are relatively cheap, renewable, biodegradable and open to a large chemistry toolbox, thereby opening the way to a vast amount of surface modifications and functionalization. The goal of this article is to familiarize the reader with possible uses of nanocelluloses in microfluidics, in three different contexts. Firstly, it is demonstrated how nanocelluloses can easily be used to manufacture chips in which a cellulose nanofiber film comprising hollow channels can be enclosed between two rigid slides. Sealing is provided by external pressure only since this type of paper is good sealant for aqueous solutions. All parts but the insert are reusable, thereby minimizing consumable wastes. The use of this technique is demonstrated with a co-flow device. Secondly, liquid marbles, often produced using non-renewable PTFE particles, can be made using cellulose nanocrystals using a simple to implement CVD technique. The marbles were characterized in terms of tribology. In a third example, an isotropic cellulose nanocrystal suspension is used for its flow birefringent properties. As a result, fluid flow irregularities and flow directions can be evidenced in a microfluidic chip comprising different bifurcations and obstacles. This last application is further oriented towards optofluidics and the understanding of fluid flows at small scales.

The potential of nanocelluloses in microfluidics: Optofluidics, liquid marbles and disposable chips

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.