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Hydrophobic/hydrophilic patterned surfaces for directed evaporative preconcentration
Ben Tucker1, Matthias Hermann, Alexa Mainguy
1Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, 90 Bader Lane, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada. Richard.oleschuk@chem.queensu.ca.
The Analyst
|December 3, 2019
Summary
This study introduces a novel device for rapid, multi-droplet deposition and evaporative preconcentration in microfluidic systems. The technology enhances sensitivity for trace analysis and improves sample uniformity for techniques like MALDI-IMS.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Surface Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Precise deposition of micro- and nanolitre volumes is essential for sessile droplet microfluidic systems.
- Existing methods for creating patterned wettability surfaces are often complex and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid and efficient device for droplet deposition and evaporative preconcentration.
- To optimize surface energy traps (SETs) for enhanced analyte preconcentration and compatibility with various detection methods.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of hydrophobic-coated glass substrates with hydrophilic surface energy traps (SETs) using picosecond laser micromachining.
- Optimization of SET parameters (laser power, passes, dimensions) to control wettability and preconcentration.
- Application of the optimized platform for colorimetric detection and MALDI-IMS analysis.
Main Results:
- The developed device enables deposition of multiple droplets within seconds.
- Optimized SETs passively preconcentrate analytes through evaporation, achieving an 18-fold increase in colorimetric sensitivity for cadmium detection.
- Improved analyte uniformity and reduced analysis times were observed for MALDI-IMS analysis of peptides.
Conclusions:
- The novel device offers a rapid and versatile approach for droplet deposition and evaporative preconcentration in microfluidic systems.
- The optimized SET design significantly enhances sensitivity for trace analysis and is adaptable to diverse detection schemes.
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