👉 The slide fluid refers to the viscous, non-Newtonian liquid that fills the internal channels or surfaces of a microfluidic device, such as a chip. This fluid, often a specialized hydrogel or polymer solution, plays a crucial role in controlling the flow and mixing of fluids within the device. Unlike Newtonian fluids, which have a constant viscosity regardless of applied shear stress, the slide fluid exhibits shear-thinning behavior, meaning its viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate. This property is essential for applications like precise droplet generation, controlled mixing, and enhanced mass transport in microfluidic systems, making it indispensable for the functionality of devices used in chemical analysis, diagnostics, and biotechnology.
