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Nanocapillary array interconnects for gated analyte injections and electrophoretic separations in multilayer
Donald M Cannon1, Tzu-Chi Kuo, Paul W Bohn
1Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
Analytical Chemistry
|August 16, 2003
Summary
A novel electrokinetic injection technique uses nanocapillary arrays for multilevel microfluidic devices. This method enables fast, serial separations with high reproducibility for advanced analytical applications.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Traditional microfluidic devices face limitations in integrating complex analytical workflows.
- Achieving multilayer integration in microfluidic systems is crucial for enhanced functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel electrokinetic injection technique using nanocapillary arrays for multilayer microfluidic devices.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of gated injection for electrophoretic separations in vertically separated layers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nuclear track-etched nanocapillary arrays for sample injection between layers.
- Developed gated injection protocols with relay switching of a high-voltage source.
- Employed impedance analysis to understand the injection mechanism.
Main Results:
- Achieved rapid injection times as short as 0.3 seconds.
- Demonstrated high separation reproducibility (as low as 1% for FITC-labeled arginine).
- Successfully integrated sample preparation and separation in separate horizontal planes.
Conclusions:
- Nanocapillary array interconnects provide a viable route for multilevel microfluidic analytical designs.
- The hybrid nanofluidic/microfluidic approach allows independent optimization of injection and separation protocols.
- This technique offers versatility for rapid, serial microchip analyses in real-world applications.