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Temperature profile characterization with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy in a thermophoretic chip
Namkyu Lee1, Dzmitry Afanasenkau2, Philipp Rinklin3
1IBI-4:Biomacromolecular Systems and Processes, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52428, Jülich, Germany.
The European Physical Journal. E, Soft Matter
|October 20, 2021
Summary
This study presents a novel lab-on-a-chip device for measuring the Soret coefficient, a key thermophoretic property. The device accurately quantifies particle behavior in complex solutions, overcoming limitations of traditional optical methods.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Thermophoresis
- Colloid Science
Background:
- Measuring thermophoretic properties like the Soret coefficient is crucial for understanding particle behavior in temperature gradients.
- Traditional optical methods often struggle with complex biological systems and multicomponent solutions due to refractive index limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel thermophoretic lab-on-a-chip device for precise Soret coefficient measurement.
- To demonstrate the device's capability in analyzing colloidal particle behavior in temperature fields.
- To provide a quantitative method for studying thermophoresis in complex biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a lab-on-a-chip device with resistive microwire heating to create a temperature gradient.
- Employing fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for accurate temperature measurement.
- Monitoring colloidal particle concentration profiles using confocal microscopy.
- Calculating the Soret coefficient from measured temperature and concentration gradients.
Main Results:
- The device successfully measured the Soret coefficient of 25 nm dyed polystyrene particles.
- Results showed good agreement with established methods like thermal diffusion forced Rayleigh scattering (TDFRS).
- Demonstrated quantitative analysis of thermophoretic behavior in challenging multicomponent buffer solutions.
Conclusions:
- The developed lab-on-a-chip device offers a simple and effective platform for thermophoretic studies.
- This method overcomes limitations of optical techniques reliant on refractive index contrast.
- The device has significant potential for investigating biological systems in complex solutions.
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