Development and assessment of a miniaturised centrifugal chromatograph for reversed-phase separations in micro-channels.

Abstract

This paper describes the micro-fabrication and preliminary assessment of a miniature polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device for performing rapid, parallel liquid phase chromatographic separations driven by centrifugal force in microchannels. Device components include a main separating channel, into which a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) particulate stationary phase was packed under pressure by application of centrifugal force, in addition to solvent and sample reservoirs. Also described are methods for sealing such devices based upon partial polymerisation of PDMS. The mobile phase flow rate through a typical device was measured and several important chromatographic parameters determined from a test separation. An expression describing mobile phase flow through packed channels was also developed, based upon work on liquid flow in open micro-channels. Good agreement between predicted and measured flow rates were observed. Some predictions for potential uses of such devices and possibilities for further miniaturisation are discussed.