Modular platform for reconfigurable bulk acoustic wave-based acoustofluidics

Acoustofluidics integrate acoustic waves and microfluidics to enable precise, label-free manipulation of fluids and particles. Despite vast potential in biological and biomedical applications, commercialization of these technologies is hindered by system complexity, limited reusability, and associated high costs. Here, we introduce a modular bulk acoustic wave-based platform featuring a detachable/reusable piezoelectric transducer and reversible fluidic interconnects. The platform accommodates rigid microfluidic chips (e.g., silicon and/or glass) for highly efficient object manipulation. Side actuation enhances acoustic energy transfer compared to more typical top actuation. Using ultrasound gel as a temporary couplant, the system achieves an acoustic energy density comparable to or exceeding that of the same chip with a permanently bonded, top-epoxied transducer. Practical benefits of the modular design include the capability for rapid transducer and coupling layer exchange/reuse to support diverse applications in biomedical research. Additionally, the fluidic interconnects maintain leak-free operation under high pressure (>10 bars) and flow rates exceeding 2 ml/min. Platform implementations with various microfluidic chips for separation, enrichment, and particle trapping/agglomeration are discussed. By addressing limitations of conventional systems, our platform offers an efficient and reconfigurable approach to facilitate wider adoption of acoustofluidic technologies.