Photochemical effect driven fluid behavior control in microscale pores and channels

Manipulating the fluid transport in the microscale pores and channels is playing a paramount role in the realization of the versatile functions of microfluidics. In recent years, using light to control the fluid behavior in the microchannels/pores has attracted many researchers’ attention due to the advantages of light such as non-contact stimulation, tunable excitation, high spatial and temporal resolution. With efforts, great achievements and progresses have been achieved for photochemical effect driven microscale flow control, including fluid pumping, flow rate control, and fluid mixing, etc. In this review, we discuss the responsive mechanisms of photochemical effect driven fluid behavior control at the microscale. We also give a comprehensive review on the latest research progresses in photochemical effect controlled microfluid behaviors. Besides, prospective opportunities for the future development of light control of microscale flow are provided to attract scientific interest for the fast development and applications of various microchannel/pore systems. Manipulation of the fluid transport in the microscale pores and channels plays a paramount role in realizing the versatile functions of microfluidics, and light responsive microfluid control has attracted many researchers’ attention due to the advantages of light such as non-contact stimulation, tunable excitation, high spatial and temporal resolution. In this review, the responsive mechanisms of photochemical effect driven fluid behaviors control at the microscale were discussed, and the latest research progresses in photochemical effect controlled microfluid behaviors were comprehensively reviewed. [Display omitted]