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Updated: Jan 21, 2026
09:29
Utilization of Plasmonic and Photonic Crystal Nanostructures for Enhanced Micro- and Nanoparticle Manipulation
Published on: September 27, 2011
12.6K
An on-demand micro/nano-convertible channel using an elastomeric nanostructure for multi-purpose use.
Hyukjin J Kwon1, Seong Kyung Hong, Minsoo Lee
1Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
Lab on a Chip
|August 9, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed a novel micro/nano-convertible channel for microfluidic systems. This adaptable channel enables on-demand tuning for applications like DNA sensing and ionic diodes, offering a versatile platform for bioanalysis.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics and Nanotechnology
- Bioanalytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nanochannels are increasingly used in microfluidic systems for biosensing and sample concentration.
- Existing microfluidic devices often lack the flexibility to adapt to different nanoscale applications.
- Developing tunable channels is crucial for advancing microfluidic technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce an on-demand micro/nano-convertible channel system.
- To investigate the electrokinetic characteristics across different channel regimes.
- To demonstrate the utility of this convertible channel for DNA sensing and ionic diode applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microchannel with an underlying elastic nanostructure.
- Application of external pressure to controllably deform the microchannel into micro- or nano-porous structures.
- Analysis of electrokinetic phenomena under an electric field in three distinct regimes (microchannel, microporous, nanochannel).
Main Results:
- Successful creation of a size-tunable micro/nano-convertible channel.
- Characterization of electrokinetic behavior in microchannel, microporous, and nanochannel regimes.
- Demonstration of label-free DNA pre-concentration and sensing using the convertible channel.
- Fabrication of an ionic diode by creating asymmetric channel geometry.
Conclusions:
- The on-demand convertible channel offers a low-cost, easily integrated solution for microfluidic applications.
- This technology shows significant potential for label-free biosensing and pre-concentration of biomolecules like DNA.
- The tunable nature of the channel opens possibilities for advanced iontronic devices and bioanalytical tools.
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