Sample injection and electrophoretic separation on a simple laminated paper based analytical device

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) offer low-cost, portable platforms for chemical analysis.
• Integrating multiple functions onto a single PAD remains a challenge for complex assays.
• Electrokinetic manipulation of fluids provides precise control in microscale systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a laminated paper-based separation device capable of performing multistep operations.
• To integrate sample loading, injection, and electrophoretic separation onto a single device using electrokinetic flow.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of this strategy for creating micro total analysis systems on PADs.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a laminated crossed-channel paper-based separation device.
• Integration of multiple functional units (sample loading, injection, separation) on the device.
• Application of electrical potentials to reservoirs for fluid manipulation and electrophoretic separation.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of sample loading, injection, and electrophoretic separation on a single device.
• Demonstration of separating a mixture of carmine and sunset yellow using electrokinetic flow.
• Investigation of key parameters affecting separation resolution, including buffer pH, concentration, channel width, and time.

Conclusions:

• The developed strategy enables multistep operations on a single paper-based analytical device.
• This approach is highly promising for the development of micro total analysis systems on PADs.
• The integrated device offers a versatile platform for various microfluidic applications.