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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
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Microfluidic Buffer Exchange for Interference-free Micro/Nanoparticle Cell Engineering
Published on: July 10, 2016
Size sorting of biological micro-particles by Newton-ring nano-gap device
Hideaki Monjushiro1, Masahiro Hatta, Hitoshi Watarai
1Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan.
Journal of Chromatography. A
|December 13, 2005
Summary
This study introduces a novel piezo-controlled nano-gap for precise particle size determination and sorting. The method utilizes meniscus forces and a gradient gap to trap and measure individual particles, demonstrating its effectiveness with standard particles, DNA, and yeast cells.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Accurate particle size determination is crucial in various scientific fields.
- Existing methods for sizing microparticles can be complex or limited in scope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new technique for precise size determination and sorting of micrometer-sized particles.
- To demonstrate the versatility of the method for biological samples.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a piezo-controlled nano-gap using a plano-convex lens and a flat glass plate.
- Utilizing solvent evaporation and meniscus forces to move particles towards the narrowest gap region.
- Trapping individual particles at positions where their diameter matches the gap distance for size determination.
Main Results:
- Successfully determined the size of micrometer-sized particles with high precision.
- Validated the method using standard polystyrene particles.
- Demonstrated accurate size measurements for DNA molecules and yeast cells.
Conclusions:
- The piezo-controlled nano-gap offers a reliable and efficient method for particle size analysis.
- This technique shows potential for applications in biological and material science research.
- The gradient gap design facilitates effective particle sorting and individual size determination.
