Adaptive networks: erosion of microfluidic channels

Microfluidics has enabled major advances in biology, where it has allowed to study and explore microscopic flows as they happen in biological systems. However, such microfluidic devices often fail to mimic a key aspect of living systems: their adaptability to incoming flows.

Here, we make a first step towards adaptive microfluidic networks by working with hydrogels (PEG-NB, polyethylene glycol norbornene) that erode in the presence of a flow of chemical. From the quantitative experimental data gathered, we show the erosion and absorption laws of the system, and develop consistent numerical simulation. Those allow us to easily explore the parameters space, and find adequate conditions to homogenize the flows in random networks. This homogenization is essential in biological systems to enhance the exchanges happening constantly at the interfaces.