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Stable Formation of Aqueous/Organic Parallel Two-phase Flow in Nanochannels with Partial Surface Modification
Hiroki Sano1, Yutaka Kazoe2,3, Takehiko Kitamori4,5,6
1Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
Summary
Researchers developed a new bonding method for nanochannels, enabling stable parallel two-phase flow for lipid extraction. This breakthrough advances integrated nanofluidic devices for single-molecule and single-cell analysis.
Area of Science:
- Nanofluidics
- Microfluidics
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Microfluidics enables chemical process integration via parallel multiphase flows.
- Research extended to nanofluidics, demonstrating lipid extraction using parallel two-phase flow in nanochannels.
- Stable parallel two-phase flow in nanochannels is hindered by fabrication challenges, particularly substrate bonding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel bonding method for nanochannel fabrication.
- To establish stable parallel organic/aqueous two-phase flow conditions in nanochannels.
- To facilitate the development of integrated nanofluidic devices for molecular and cellular analysis.
Main Methods:
- A new substrate bonding method was developed, enhancing the wash process and achieving a ~100% bonding rate.
- The study investigated the conditions required for stable parallel organic/aqueous two-phase flow in nanochannels.
- Capillary numbers for the organic phase were analyzed in comparison to microchannel systems.
Main Results:
- A novel, high-yield bonding method for nanochannel fabrication was successfully developed.
- Specific flow conditions, including higher capillary numbers for the organic phase, were identified for stable parallel two-phase flow in nanochannels.
- The findings demonstrate the feasibility of parallel two-phase flow in nanochannels, overcoming previous fabrication limitations.
Conclusions:
- The developed fabrication process and identified flow regimes are crucial for realizing integrated nanofluidic devices.
- This advancement supports the potential for analyzing single molecules and single cells using nanofluidic systems.
- The research overcomes key hurdles in nanochannel fabrication, paving the way for complex nanofluidic applications.
