Low-cost MRI devices and methods for real-time monitoring of flow and transfer phenomena in milli-channels.

An NMR/MRI methodology is developed for the study of flows in miniaturized systems handling volumes of fluid in the microliter range. Specific MRI devices are implemented, including radiofrequency coils with millimetric dimensions whose size and geometry correspond to the studied systems. We follow a low-cost development procedure of home-made milli-RF coils, including their dimensioning, the simulation of the produced electromagnetic field, their fabrication and their integration in experimental devices. In each of the two cases presented the filling factor is optimized and the sensitivity of the measurement is greatly improved over standard commercial instrumentations by a factor up to 17. Two applications are then discussed: the characterization of the hydrodynamics in an anchor shaped micromixer and the monitoring of the development of a biofilm at the pore scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]