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Updated: May 31, 2026

Capillary-based Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for Size-controllable Formation of Monodisperse Microdroplets
Published on: February 22, 2016
Size separation of colloidally dispersed nanoparticles using a monolithic capillary column
Kumiko Sakai-Kato1, Shigenori Ota, Toyohide Takeuchi
1Division of Drugs, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan. kumikato@nihs.go.jp
We developed a new method for separating nanoparticles by size using monolithic capillary columns. This technique offers precise size-based separation for nanomaterials, crucial for quality control in nanotechnology.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Accurate size characterization of nanoparticles is essential for their application in nanotechnology.
- Existing separation methods can face challenges with clogging and pressure limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a robust method for size separation of colloidally dispersed nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the performance of monolithic capillary columns for nanoparticle separation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized monolithic capillary columns for the separation of silica nanoparticles.
- Analyzed the relationship between nanoparticle size and elution volume.
- Investigated column performance regarding porosity, length, and pressure.
Main Results:
- Achieved size-based elution of silica nanoparticles.
- Demonstrated excellent linearity (r=0.992) between the logarithm of nanoparticle size and elution volume.
- High column porosity (88%) allowed for longer columns and low operating pressure (5.8 MPa at 1 μL/min).
Conclusions:
- Monolithic capillary columns provide a powerful tool for nanoparticle size separation.
- This method facilitates effective quality control of nanomaterials.
- Opens new avenues for nanotechnology applications requiring precise nanomaterial characterization.
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