Electrokinetic preconcentration of particles and cells in microfluidic reservoirs

摘要: Preconcentrating samples of dilute particles or cells to a detectable level is required in many chemical, environmental and biomedical applications. A variety force fields have thus far been demonstrated capture accumulate microfluidic devices, which, however, all take place within the region microchannels may potentially cause channel clogging. This work presents new method for electrokinetic preconcentration 1 μm-diameter polystyrene E. coli very-low-conductivity medium inside reservoir. The entire microchannel can hence be saved post-concentration analysis. exploits strong recirculating flows induced-charge electroosmosis concentrate near corners reservoir–microchannel interface. Positive dielectrophoresis found also play role when small are used at high electric fields. Such an in-reservoir easily implemented parallel mode increase flow throughput, which preconcentrate bacterial pathogens water.