Centrifugal and electric field forces dual-pumping CD-like microfluidic platform for biomedical separation.
In this article, we propose a versatile CD-like multi-channel electrophoresis-based biomedical separation system that is driven by the interactive forces between the centrifugal force and the electric field force. The centrifugal force control of this system is realized through the velocity control of a DC servo motor, while the electric field is governed through the concentric conducting circuits, which are suitably designed and fabricated by sputtering on metal mask method, and can be adjusted to provide multi-stage voltages. Experimental results demonstrate that the electro-osmotic flow (EOF) effect can be effectively reduced when the electric field force and centrifugal force are in the opposite direction. Benefits from this are that the electrophoresis separation time can be prolonged and the length of the microfluidic channels can be shortened; therefore, more effective separation efficiency can be obtained. Moreover, other advantages, such as lower joule-heat generation, low-chemistry reaction, and no variation on the ion concentration during processes, make this biomedical separation system more useful.
Wang
Gou-Jen
GJ
Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan. gjwang@dragon.nchu.edu.tw
Hsu
Wen-Haw
WH
Chang
Yau-Zin
YZ
Yang
Hsiharng
H
D001704:Biopolymers / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002498:Centrifugation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016250:Compact Disks; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D004586:Electrophoresis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
D001704:Biopolymers