title: Microscale pH regulation by splitting water.
abstract: We present a simple, flexible approach for pH regulation in micro-chambers by injecting controllable amounts of protons and hydroxide ions via field-enhanced dissociation of water molecules. Under a DC voltage bias, the polymeric bipolar membranes integrated in microfluidics devices generate and separate H(+) and OH(-) ions without gas production or contaminant generation resulting from electron-transfer reactions. Robust local on-chip pH and pH gradients are sustained with no need of additional acidic∕basic solutions that dilute analyte concentrations. The method could provide a better strategy for pH control in microfluidics.
authors: Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Initiative, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA.
authors: Li-Jing
authors: LJ
authors: Cheng
authors: Hsueh-Chia
authors: HC
authors: Chang