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Sub-100 nm Nanoparticle Upconcentration in Flow by Dielectrophoretic Forces.
Maria Dimaki1, Mark Holm Olsen2, Noemi Rozlosnik3
1DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Bldg 221, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
Micromachines
|June 24, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a new microfluidic chip that concentrates tiny nanoparticles using electrical forces. The novel zig-zag electrode design achieves significant particle concentration, paving the way for scalable applications.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Nanoparticle Manipulation
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Concentrating nanoparticles is crucial for various applications.
- Existing methods face limitations in efficiency and scalability.
- Sub-100 nm nanoparticle manipulation requires precise control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microfluidic chip for efficient upconcentration of sub-100 nm nanoparticles.
- To optimize electrode design for maximizing electrical forces.
- To demonstrate the scalability potential of the developed chip.
Main Methods:
- Utilized COMSOL Multiphysics for optimizing two electrode designs.
- Tested chip performance with nanoparticles as small as 47 nm.
- Employed AC dielectrophoresis for particle manipulation.
Main Results:
- Identified inclined electrodes with a zig-zag three-tooth configuration as optimal.
- Achieved an 11-fold upconcentration of sub-100 nm nanoparticles.
- Demonstrated effective operation at flow rates of 2-25 µL/h.
Conclusions:
- The novel microfluidic chip effectively concentrates sub-100 nm nanoparticles.
- The zig-zag electrode design significantly enhances electrical force gradients.
- The chip design offers a scalable solution with potential for 1250x throughput increase.
