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Published on: March 13, 2016
Nanoporous elements in microfluidics for multiscale manipulation of bioparticles
Grace D Chen1, Fabio Fachin, Marta Fernandez-Suarez
1BioMEMS Resource Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 114 16th Street, Charlestown, MA 02139, USA.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|March 18, 2011
Summary
This study introduces carbon-nanotube forests in microfluidic channels for capturing diverse particles. This novel approach enhances bioseparation for diagnostics and research.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Solid materials like silicon and polymers are common in microsystems and microfluidics.
- Porous elements have been restricted to membranes or polymer monoliths.
- Carbon-nanotube forests offer a new porous material for microfluidic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of micropatterned carbon-nanotube forests within microfluidic channels.
- To demonstrate the capture of particles across a wide size range using these nanotube structures.
- To explore the potential for biomolecular recognition and bioseparation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of micropatterned carbon-nanotube forests inside microfluidic channels.
- Utilizing the nanotube forest's structure for mechanical and chemical particle capture.
- Investigating particle interactions based on size relative to internanotube spacing (80 nm).
Main Results:
- Successful capture of nanoparticles (<80 nm) via internal forest interaction.
- Effective capture of larger particles (>80 nm) through enhanced outer surface interactions.
- Demonstrated specific biomolecular recognition of cells, bacteria, and viral-sized particles.
Conclusions:
- Micropatterned carbon-nanotube forests provide effective particle capture in microfluidics.
- This technology enables precise bioseparation across a broad size spectrum.
- Potential applications include advanced research tools and point-of-care diagnostic devices.
