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Polydimethylsiloxane connection for quartz microchips in a high-pressure system
Yukihiro Shintani1, Keiji Hirako, Masanori Motokawa
1GL Sciences Inc., 237-2 Sayamagahara, Iruma, Saitama 358-0032, Japan. shintani@gls.co.jp
Summary
A new PDMS connection method offers a reliable, detachable seal for quartz microchips in high-pressure systems. This technique is suitable for microchip-HPLC and other micro-total analysis systems (microTAS).
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Modular microfluidic devices require robust interconnections for high-pressure applications like microchip-HPLC.
- Existing connection methods may lack user-friendliness or optimal performance in high-pressure microfluidic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and evaluate a novel PDMS connection method for sealing quartz microchips in high-pressure systems.
- To assess the pressure resistance and chromatographic performance of the PDMS connection method.
Main Methods:
- Developed a PDMS connection method by applying PDMS as a seal material on quartz microchips within a metal housing.
- Examined pressure resistance up to 5 MPa and evaluated the extra-column effect on chromatographic separation.
Main Results:
- Achieved a reliable seal at pressures up to 5 MPa, sufficient for microchip-HPLC.
- The PDMS connection method demonstrated minimal extra-column effect, comparable to commercial fittings.
- The method provided user-friendly detachability of chip-based modules.
Conclusions:
- The PDMS connection method is a viable and user-friendly technique for high-pressure microfluidic applications.
- This novel method shows potential for broad application in microchip-HPLC and micro-total analysis systems (microTAS).