Selective ion extraction: a separation method for microfluidic devices.
A separation concept, selective ion extraction (SIE), is proposed on the basis of the combination of hydrodynamic and electrokinetic flow controls in microfluidic devices. Using a control system with multiple pressure and voltage sources, the hydrodynamic flow and electric field in any section of the microfluidic network can be set to desired values. Mixtures of compounds sent into a T-junction on a chip can be completely separated into different channels on the basis of their electrophoretic mobilities. A simple velocity balance model proved useful for predicting the voltage and pressure settings needed for separation. SIE provides a highly efficient separation with minimal additional dispersion. It is an ideal technique for high-throughput screening systems and demonstrates the power of lab-on-a-chip systems.
Kerby
Matthew B
MB
Caliper Technologies Corporation, Mountain View, California 94043, USA.
Spaid
Michael
M
Wu
Spencer
S
Parce
J Wallace
JW
Chien
Ring-Ling
RL