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Droplet microfluidics for biomolecule separation and detection

Droplet microfluidics for biomolecule separation and detection
Droplet microfluidics for biomolecule separation and detection
Droplet microfluidics is a new approach for chemical and biological analysis. Discrete nano-litre droplets ensure chemical reactions occur quickly without cross-talk, allowing samples to be processed without dispersion. Droplet microfluidics is effectively a digital sample processing platform enabling sample droplets to be handled in a continuous serial format.

This thesis describes a method for in situ compartmentalization of biological and chemical samples after separation using Slipchip technology. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) was used to separate biomolecules within the Slipchip. The device was used to compartmentalise the IEF
separated samples into micro-droplets. This approach solves the compartmentalization challenge faced by current IEF systems. The digitised sample droplets can be collected serially or in parallel. In serial collection, droplets are collected in tubing that maintains their spatial sequence.
For parallel collection, droplets are collected with a multi-pipette. Separated samples were assayed by gel electrophoresis on an Agilent Bioanalyzer. Separated samples were also postprocessed on-chip by mixing with pH indicator droplets for calibration of droplet pH. Such
continuous-flow/micro-droplet conversion methods have the potential of hyphenating different separation techniques for performing advanced analysis of complex samples.

One disadvantage with droplet microfluidics is the very small dimensions of the sample meaning that classical absorption assays are difficult. Therefore, a high sensitivity absorption-based optical method called Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) was developed and evaluated. The integration of CRDS with microfluidic devices was explored. Microfabricated cylindrical lenses were used to increase the light coupling efficiency within a chip, but results showed that light losses in the system were too high to enable the effective use of CRDS for analysis.
Zhao, Yan
447eb9b9-28be-41b4-b5b6-c1e222bf9882
Zhao, Yan
447eb9b9-28be-41b4-b5b6-c1e222bf9882
Morgan, Hywel
de00d59f-a5a2-48c4-a99a-1d5dd7854174

Zhao, Yan (2015) Droplet microfluidics for biomolecule separation and detection. University of Southampton, Physcial Sciences and Engineering, Doctoral Thesis, 135pp.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

Droplet microfluidics is a new approach for chemical and biological analysis. Discrete nano-litre droplets ensure chemical reactions occur quickly without cross-talk, allowing samples to be processed without dispersion. Droplet microfluidics is effectively a digital sample processing platform enabling sample droplets to be handled in a continuous serial format.

This thesis describes a method for in situ compartmentalization of biological and chemical samples after separation using Slipchip technology. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) was used to separate biomolecules within the Slipchip. The device was used to compartmentalise the IEF
separated samples into micro-droplets. This approach solves the compartmentalization challenge faced by current IEF systems. The digitised sample droplets can be collected serially or in parallel. In serial collection, droplets are collected in tubing that maintains their spatial sequence.
For parallel collection, droplets are collected with a multi-pipette. Separated samples were assayed by gel electrophoresis on an Agilent Bioanalyzer. Separated samples were also postprocessed on-chip by mixing with pH indicator droplets for calibration of droplet pH. Such
continuous-flow/micro-droplet conversion methods have the potential of hyphenating different separation techniques for performing advanced analysis of complex samples.

One disadvantage with droplet microfluidics is the very small dimensions of the sample meaning that classical absorption assays are difficult. Therefore, a high sensitivity absorption-based optical method called Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) was developed and evaluated. The integration of CRDS with microfluidic devices was explored. Microfabricated cylindrical lenses were used to increase the light coupling efficiency within a chip, but results showed that light losses in the system were too high to enable the effective use of CRDS for analysis.

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More information

Published date: April 2015
Organisations: University of Southampton, Nanoelectronics and Nanotechnology

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 379292
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/379292
PURE UUID: 8b8b8cf8-8e8b-42b4-9d53-1b0e45121ad2
ORCID for Hywel Morgan: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-4850-5676

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 22 Jul 2015 11:49
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:18

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Contributors

Author: Yan Zhao
Thesis advisor: Hywel Morgan ORCID iD

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