Temperature and Trapping Characterization of an Acoustic Lateral Trap for μ TAS

An acoustic lateral trap for application in non-contact trapping of cells or particles in a microfluidic channel in a μTAS (micro total analysis system) is characterized by temperature and trapping efficiency measurements. Temperature is measured by fluorescent response of Rhodamine B in the microchannel. Trapping efficiency is measured as the projected area of a trapped particle cluster counter-balanced by hydrodynamic force. One of the main objectives is to obtain quantitative values of the temperature in the fluidic channel to ensure safe handling of cells and proteins. Other objectives are to evaluate optimal drive parameters. The optimal frequency, when temperature and trapping is considered, was found to be the parallel resonance frequency.