| abstract |
An active fluid transport device (10, 40, 54, 60) that includes a layer (12) of polymeric material. The layer (12) has a structured surface (13) that includes a plurality of substantially discrete flow channels (16). The flow channels (16) have a minimum aspect ratio of about 10 to 1 and a hydraulic radius no greater than about 300 micrometers. The device may also include a connector (20, 55) that allows a potential source (14) external to the structured surface (13) to be placed in fluid communication with the discrete flow channels (16). The potential source (14) promotes fluid movement through the flow channels (16) from a first location to a second location. |