Acoustic particle filter with adjustable effective pore size for automated sample preparation
Byoungsok Jung1, Karl Fisher, Kevin D Ness
1Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA. jung7@llnl.gov
Analytical Chemistry
|October 14, 2008
Summary
This study optimized an acoustic microfluidic filter using piezoelectric transducers (PZT) to remove particles by size. The device achieved high yields for MS2 bacteriophage separation and Saccharomyces cerevisiae removal.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Acoustic manipulation
Background:
- Microfluidic devices offer precise control for biological sample preparation.
- Acoustic radiation forces provide a label-free method for particle manipulation.
- Efficient separation of biological particles is crucial for diagnostics and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and optimize a microfluidic particle filter utilizing acoustic radiation forces.
- To demonstrate adjustable particle size selection by tuning piezoelectric transducer (PZT) driving conditions.
- To validate the filter's efficacy in separating specific biological particles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized finite element models to predict acoustic radiation force fields in microchannels.
- Conducted experimental parametric studies varying PZT frequencies, voltages, and particle sizes (0.5-5.0 µm).
- Demonstrated particle separation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and MS2 bacteriophage.
Main Results:
- Optimized PZT driving conditions enabled concentration of microparticles, minimizing wall adsorption.
- The acoustic filter demonstrated an adjustable effective pore size.
- Achieved >90% yield for MS2 bacteriophage with >80% removal of S. cerevisiae.
Conclusions:
- The optimized acoustic microfluidic filter effectively separates particles based on size.
- The device shows promise for continuous-flow sample preparation in biological applications.
- Acoustic manipulation offers a versatile tool for microfluidic particle separation.
