Dynamic 3D optofluidic control as a multifunctional platform for microfluidic applications

Optothermal and optofluidic manipulation have been proven successful tools to precisely steer the motion of particles, cells and biomolecules using a combination of optical, thermal and hydrodynamic forces. Here, we show that a proper 3D engineering of thermal landscapes induces short- and long-range microfluidic flows to guide, trap and sort microparticles. By alternating between different patterns of illumination over time, various types of microfluidic actuators are created such pumps, traps, and valves, all within a single chip environment.