Debusschere B., Najm H., Matta A., Knio O., Ghanem R., Le Maitre O.
Sandia National Laboratories, US
Keywords: dispersion, electroosmotic, microchannel, protein labeling, stochastic, zeta potential
In many microfluidic separation processes, dispersion of sample peaks is a significant problem limiting the detection resolution. In this work, we use simulations to study the dominant dispersion mechanisms during a protein labeling process in electroosmotic microchannel flow with a potassium phosphate buffer. The goal is to explain the dominant dispersion mechanisms and to provide a tool for predicting and minimizing dispersion in microchannel flows. The simulations are performed with a stochastic microchannel simulation code. We use a detailed representation of electroosmotic and pressure-driven channel flow by solving the coupled momentum, species transport, as well as electrostatic field equations. The chemistry model accounts for pH-dependent protein labeling reactions as well as detailed buffer electrochemistry in a mixed finite-rate/equilibrium formulation. The model also has the unique capability to account for stochastic processes, such as random zeta-potential variability. In our talk, we will specifically address two phenomena. The first is the electrokinetic and hydrodynamic dispersion, caused by the disturbance of the buffer solution as a sample moves through the channel. The second is the effect on dispersion of random zeta-potential variability, due to surface roughness or heterogeneous wall material properties.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2003 Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: February 23, 2003
Pages: 154 - 157
Industry sectors: Medical & Biotech | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Micro & Bio Fluidics, Lab-on-Chip
ISBN: 0-9728422-0-9