Modelling the operational limits of a separation enhancement method for capillary electrophoresis: a designer’s tool

Abstract

We report on a model giving new insight into electrokinetic fluid flow in microfluidic devices, and demonstrate its use as a tool for designing capillary electrophoresis (CE) systems; particularly lab-on-a-chip applications. The electroosmotic flow (EOF) is directly related to the zeta-potential which can be dynamically modified by applying a potential to a zeta-potential modification (ZPM) electrode close to the channel wall [1]. We investigate the effect on EOF where the zeta-potential is modified along a single channel wall, rather than complete channel coverage. We consider the effect for a single channel wall because it makes the fabrication process simpler. The EOF affects the amount of separation attainable in CE systems for a given channel length. We show that with control of the EOF separations can be achieved in channels of shorter length. The use of a single electrode introduces peak broadening; we investigate the effect this has on the separation and the limits it places on the separation enhancement method.

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Identifiers

ORCID for N.R. Harris: orcid.org/0000-0003-4122-2219

ORCID for Nicolas G Green: orcid.org/0000-0001-9230-4455

ORCID for J.A. Wharton: orcid.org/0000-0002-3439-017X

ORCID for R.J.K. Wood: orcid.org/0000-0003-0681-9239

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