Biomedical subjects

Lung-Ming Fu

Publications and source records attributed to Lung-Ming Fu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Rapid circular microfluidic mixer utilizing unbalanced driving force.

This paper proposes a novel rapid circular microfluidic mixer for micro-total-analysis-systems (mu-TAS) applications in which an unbalanced driving force is used to mix fluids in a circular chamber at low Reynolds numbers (Re). The microfluidic mixer has a three-layered structure and is fabricated on low-cost glass slides using a simple and reliable fabrication process. Using hydrodynamic pumps, fluids are driven from two inlet ports into a circular mixing chamber. Each inlet port separates into two separate channels, which are then attached to opposite sides of the 3-dimensional (3-D) circular mixing chamber. The unequal lengths of these inlet channels generate an unbalanced driving force, which enhances the mixing effect in the mixing chamber. Numerical simulations are performed to predict the fluid phenomena in the mixing chamber and to estimate the mixing performance under various Reynolds number conditions. The numerical results are verified by performing flow visualization experiments. A good agreement is found between the two sets of results. The numerical and experimental results reveal that the mixing performance can reach 91% within a mixing chamber of 1 mm diameter at a Reynolds number of Re=3. Additionally, the results confirm that the unbalanced driving force produces a flow rotation in the circular mixer at low Reynolds numbers, which significantly enhances the mixing performance. The novel micromixing method presented in this study provides a simple solution for mixing problems in Lab-on-a-chip systems.

Chemistry Techniques, Analytical↗

PubMed2007

A rapid DNA digestion system.

This paper presents a novel microfluidic DNA digestion system incorporating a high performance micro-mixer. Through the appropriate control of fixed and periodic switching DC electric fields, electrokinetic forces are established to mix the DNA and restriction enzyme samples and to drive them through the reaction column of the device. The experimental and numerical results show that a mixing performance of 98% can be achieved within a mixing channel of length 1.6 mm when a 150 V/cm driving voltage and a 5 Hz switching frequency are applied. The relationship between the mixing performance, switching frequency, and main applied electric field is derived. It is found that the optimal switching frequency depends upon the magnitude of the main applied electric field. The successful digestion of lambda-DNA using Eco RI restriction enzyme is demonstrated. The DNA-enzyme reaction is completed within 15 min in the proposed microfluidic system, compared to 50 min in a conventional large-scale system. Hence, the current device provides a valuable tool for rapid lambda-DNA digestion, while its mixer system delivers a simple yet effective solution for mixing problems in the micro-total-analysis-systems field.

Bacteriophage lambda↗

PubMed2006

Optimal configuration of capillary electrophoresis microchip with expansion chamber in separation channel.

This study develops a novel capillary electrophoresis (CE) microfluidic device featuring a conventional cross-form injection system and an expansion chamber located at the inlet of the separation channel. The combined injection system/expansion chamber arrangement is designed to deliver a high-quality sample band into the separation channel such that the detection performance of the device is enhanced. Numerical simulations are performed to investigate the electrokinetic transport processes in the microfluidic device and to establish the optimal configuration of the expansion chamber. The results indicate that an expansion chamber with an expansion ratio of 2.5 and an expansion length of 500 microm delivers a sample plug with the correct shape and orientation. With this particular configuration, the peak intensities of the sample are sharp and clearly distinguishable in the detection region of the separation channel. Therefore, this configuration is well suited for capillary electrophoresis applications which require a highly sensitive resolution of the sample plug. The novel CE microfluidic device developed in this study has an exciting potential for use in high-performance, high-throughput chemical analysis applications and in many other applications throughout the field of micro-total-analysis-systems.

Electrophoresis, Microchip↗

PubMed2006

Micromixer utilizing electrokinetic instability-induced shedding effect.

This paper presents a T-shaped micromixer featuring 45 degrees parallelogram barriers (PBs) within the mixing channel. The presented device obtains a rapid mixing of two sample fluids with conductivity ratio of 10:1 (sample concentration:running buffer concentration) by means of the electrokinetic instability-induced shedding effects which are produced when a direct current (DC) electric field of an appropriate intensity is applied. The presented device uses a single high-voltage power source to simultaneously drive and mix the sample fluids. The effectiveness of the mixer is characterized experimentally as a function of the applied electrical field intensity and the extent to which the PBs obstruct the mixing channel. The experimental results indicate that the mixing performance reaches 91% at a cross-section located 2.3 mm downstream of the T-junction when the barriers obstruct 4/5 of the channel width and an electrical field of 300 V/cm is applied. The micromixing method presented in this study provides a simple low-cost solution to mixing problems in lab-on-a-chip systems.

Equipment Design↗

PubMed2006

Experimental and numerical investigation into leakage effect in injectors of microfluidic devices.

This paper performs an experimental and numerical investigation into low-leakage injectors designed for electrophoresis microchips. The principal material transport mechanisms of electrokinetic migration, fluid flow, and diffusion are considered in developing a mathematical model of the electrophoresis process. Low-leakage injectors designed with injection channels orientated at various included angles are designed and tested. The numerical and experimental results indicate that the injector with a 30 degrees included angle successfully minimizes sample leakage and has an exciting potential for use in high-quality, high-throughput chemical analysis procedures and in many other applications in the field of micro-total analysis systems.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2006

Fabrication and characterization of semicircular detection electrodes for contactless conductivity detector - CE microchips.

This study uses simple and reliable microfabrication techniques to fabricate CE biochips, integrating a novel contactless conductivity detector in a miniaturized detection system in a microfluidic biochip. The off-channel electrodes are deposited around side channels by Au sputtering and patterned using a standard "lift-off" process. A vacuum fusion bonding process is employed to seal the lower substrate containing the microchannels and the electrodes to an upper glass cover plate. The variations in the capacitance between the semicircular detection electrodes in the side channels are measured as different samples and ions pass through the detection region of the CE separation channel. Samples of Rhodamine B, commercial sports drinks, mineral waters, and a red wine, respectively, are mixed in different buffer solutions, separated, and successfully detected using the developed device. The semicircular detection electrodes for the contactless conductivity detector have microscale dimensions and provide a valuable contribution to the realization of the lab-on-a-chip concept.

Conductometry↗

PubMed2006

Application of electrokinetic instability flow for enhanced micromixing in cross-shaped microchannel.

This paper proposes a cross-shaped micromixer featuring a pair barrier within the mixing channel. The proposed device obtains a rapid mixing of two sample fluids by means of the electrokinetic instability-induced shedding effects which are produced when a DC electric field of an appropriate intensity is applied. The proposed device uses a single high-voltage power source to simultaneously drive and mix the sample fluids. The effectiveness of the mixer is characterized experimentally as a function of the applied electric field intensity and the extent to which a pair barrier obstruct the mixing channel. The experimental results indicate that the mixing performance reaches 96% at a cross-section located 1 mm downstream of the cross-junction when an electric field of 300 V/cm is applied. The micromixing method presented in this study provides a simple low-cost solution to mixing problems in lab-on-a-chip systems.

Kinetics↗

PubMed2005

Numerical simulation of electrokinetic injection techniques in capillary electrophoresis microchips.

The effective design and control of a capillary electrophoresis (CE) microchip requires a thorough understanding of the electrokinetic transport phenomena associated with its microfluidic injection system. The present study utilizes a numerical simulation approach to investigate these electrokinetic transport processes and to study the control parameters of the injection process. Injection systems with a variety of different configurations are designed and tested, including the cross-form, T-form, double-T-form, variable-volume focused flow cross-form, and variable-volume triple-T-form configuration. Each injection system cycles through a predetermined series of steps in which the magnitudes and distributions of the applied electric field are precisely manipulated in order to effectuate a virtual valve. This study investigates the sample leakage effect associated with each of the injection configurations and applies the double-L, pullback, and focusing injection techniques to minimize the sample leakage effect. The injection methods presented in this paper have the exciting potential for use in high-quality, high-throughput chemical analysis applications and throughout the micro-total-analysis systems field.

Electrophoresis, Microchip↗

PubMed2005

A novel microfluidic mixer utilizing electrokinetic driving forces under low switching frequency.

This paper presents a novel technique in which low-frequency periodic electrokinetic driving forces are utilized to mix electrolytic fluid samples rapidly and efficiently in a double-T-form microfluidic mixer. Without using any additional equipment to induce flow perturbations, only a single high-voltage power source is required for simultaneously driving and mixing the sample fluids which results in a simple and low-cost system for the mixing purpose. The effectiveness of the mixer as a function of the applied electric field and the periodic switching frequency is characterized by the intensity distribution calculated downstream from the mixing zone. The present numerical and experimental results confirm that the proposed double-T-form micromixer has excellent mixing capabilities. The mixing efficiency can be as high as 95% within a mixing length of 1000 microm downstream from the secondary T-junction when a 100 V/cm driving electric field strength and a 2 Hz periodic switching frequency are applied. The results reveal that the optimal switching frequency depends upon the magnitude of the main applied electrical field. The rapid double-T-form microfluidic mixer using the periodic driving voltage switching model proposed in this study has considerable potential for use in lab-on-a-chip systems.

Electrophoresis, Microchip↗

PubMed2004

Microfluidic T-form mixer utilizing switching electroosmotic flow.

This paper presents a microfluidic T-form mixer utilizing alternatively switching electroosmotic flow. The microfluidic device is fabricated on low-cost glass slides using a simple and reliable fabrication process. A switching DC field is used to generate an electroosmotic force which simultaneously drives and mixes the fluid samples. The proposed design eliminates the requirements for moving parts within the microfluidic device and delicate external control systems. Two operation modes, namely, a conventional switching mode and a novel pinched switching mode, are presented. Computer simulation is employed to predict the mixing performance attainable in both operation modes. The simulation results are then compared to those obtained experimentally. It is shown that a mixing performance as high as 97% can be achieved within a mixing distance of 1 mm downstream from the T-junction when a 60 V/cm driving voltage and a 2-Hz switching frequency are applied in the pinched switching operation mode. This study demonstrates how the driving voltage and switching frequency can be optimized to yield an enhanced mixing performance. The novel methods presented in this study provide a simple solution to mixing problems in the micro-total-analysis-systems field.

Electrochemistry↗

PubMed2004

Band spreading control in electrophoresis microchips by localized zeta-potential variation using field-effect.

The paper proposes a new technique, which varies the zeta potential along the channel walls in the vicinity of the microchannel corners in such as a way as to minimize the effects of turn-induced dispersion within U-shaped separation channels. The effects of the separation channel geometry, the fluid velocity profile, and boundary control of the zeta potential on the band distribution in the detection area are all discussed within this paper. The results for the folded square U-shaped separation channel indicate that boundary control of the zeta potential by field-effect significantly reduces the band dispersion induced by the 90[degree] turns. Finally, the results confirm that application of the proposed localized zeta potential variation method results in a correction of the band tilting phenomenon and a reduction in the racetrack effect.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Integrated optical-fiber capillary electrophoresis microchips with novel spin-on-glass surface modification.

This paper presents a novel micro-capillary electrophoresis (CE) chip with embedded optical fibers for the on-line detection of DNA samples. The optical fibers are pre-etched and then inserted directly into fiber channels incorporated within low-cost soda-lime glass substrates. The embedded optical fibers are precisely aligned with the microfluidic channels such that the induced fluorescence signals from labeled bio-samples can be detected. This arrangement avoids the requirement for delicate optical alignment procedures and equipment. Surface modification of the CE channels is accomplished by means of a simple and reliable organic-based spin-on-glass (SOG) method. The zeta potential distribution and the corresponding electroosmotic mobility of the fluid are simulated numerically for the modified and non-modified channel surfaces, and then both sets of results are verified experimentally. The present results indicate that the value of the zeta potential for a surface with an SOG coating is 19.3 times smaller than that of an untreated surface. A phiX-174 DNA marker fluid is used to evaluate the injection and separation performance of the developed micro-CE device. Furthermore, the long-term stability of the SOG-coated surface is also investigated. The experimental data reveal that the microchip device is capable of providing highly efficient separations of bio-molecules, and that the SOG layer retains its low zeta potential characteristics for at least 45 days. The present results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed micro-CE chip in performing the on-line detection of DNA samples, and indicate that the SOG process represents a simple and reliable solution for the surface modification of glass-based microchannels.

Bacteriophages↗

PubMed2004

Dispersion control in microfluidic chips by localized zeta potential variation using the field effect.

A new technique to minimize the effects of turn-induced dispersion within U-shaped separation channels by using the field effect within a capacitor to vary the zeta potential along the channel walls in the vicinity of the microchannel is described. The effects of the separation channel geometry, the fluid velocity profile, and the use of the field effect to control the zeta potential on the band distribution in the detection area are extensively discussed. The results for a U-shaped separation channel indicate that varying the zeta potential by controlling the field effect significantly reduces the band dispersion induced by the 90 degrees turns within the channel. Finally, it is shown that the application of the proposed localized zeta potential variation method also results in a correction of the band tilting phenomenon and a reduction in the racetrack effect.

Electromagnetic Fields↗

PubMed2004

High-resolution DNA separation in microcapillary electrophoresis chips utilizing double-L injection techniques.

An experimental and numerical investigation into the use of high-resolution injection techniques to separate DNA fragments within electrophoresis microchips is presented. The principal material transport mechanisms of electrokinetic migration, fluid flow, and diffusion are considered, and several variable-volume injection methods are discussed. A detailed analysis is provided of a double-L injection technique, which employs appropriate electrokinetic manipulations to reduce sample leakage within the microchip. The leakage effect in electroosmotic flow (EOF) is investigated using a sample composed of rhodamine B and Cy3 dye. Meanwhile, the effects of sample leakage in capillary electrophoresis (CE) separation are studied by considering the separation of 100-base pairs (bp) DNA ladders and HaeIII-digested PhiX-174 DNA samples. The present experimental and simulation results indicate that the unique injection system employed in the current microfluidic chip has the ability to replicate the functions of both the conventional cross-channel and the shift-channel injection systems. Furthermore, applying the double-L injection method to these two injection systems is shown to reduce sample leakage significantly. The proposed microfluidic chip and double-L injection technique developed in this study have an exciting potential for use in high-resolution, high-throughput biochemical analysis applications and in many other applications throughout the micrototal analysis systems field.

DNA↗

PubMed2003

Numerical analysis and experimental estimation of a low-leakage injection technique for capillary electrophoresis.

This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation into the use of low-leakage injection techniques to deliver sample plugs within electrophoresis microchips. The study addresses the principal material transport mechanisms such as electrokinetic migration, fluid flow, and diffusion and gives detail analyses to the double-L injection technique, which employs electrokinetic manipulations to avoid sample leakage within the microchip. Electrical potential contour, velocity vector, and streamline distribution in the micro CE chip are successfully developed. Experimental and numerical testing results show the double-L injection technique is capable of reducing sample leakage within cross-form microfluidic chips. The current study confirms the double-L injection technique has an exciting potential for use in high-quality, high-throughput chemical analysis applications and in many other applications throughout the field of micro total analysis systems.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2003

Electrokinetic focusing injection methods on microfluidic devices.

This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation into electrokinetic focusing injection on microfluidic chips. The valving characteristics on microfluidic devices are controlled through appropriate manipulations of the electric potential strengths during the sample loading and dispensing steps. The present study also addresses the design and testing of various injection systems used to deliver a sample plug. A novel double-cross injection microfluidic chip is fabricated, which employs electrokinetic focusing to deliver sample plugs of variable volume. The proposed design combines several functions of traditional sample plug injection systems on a single microfluidic chip. The injection technique uses an unique sequence of loading steps with different electric potential distributions and magnitudes within the various channels to effectuate a virtual valve.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2003

Multiple injection techniques for microfluidic sample handling.

This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation into electrokinetic focusing flow injection for bioanalytical applications on 1 x N (i.e., 1 sample inlet port and N outlet ports) and M x N (i.e., M sample inlet ports and N outlet ports) microfluidic chips. A novel device is presented which integrates two important microfluidic phenomena, namely electrokinetic focusing and valveless flow switching within multiported microchannels. The study proposes a voltage control model which achieves electrokinetic focusing in a prefocusing sample injection system and which allows the volume of the sample to be controlled. Using the developed methods, the study shows how the sample may be prefocused electrokinetically into a narrow stream prior to being injected continuously into specified outlet ports. The microfluidic chips presented within this paper possess an exciting potential for use in a variety of techniques, including high-throughput chemical analysis, cell fusion, fraction collection, fast sample mixing, and many other applications within the micrototalanalysis systems field.

Automation↗

PubMed2003

Low-voltage driven control in electrophoresis microchips by traveling electric field.

This paper presents the use of a physical model and numerical simulation in the investigation of traveling electric fields on capillary electrophoresis (CE) chips. The principal material transport mechanisms of electrokinetic migration, ionic concentration, fluid flow, and diffusion are all taken into consideration. Traditionally, the high electric field strength required for the separation of biological samples by microfluidic devices has involved the application of high external voltages. In contrast, this study presents a proposal for samples separation by means of a moving electric field within a low voltage-driven CE chip. Under this proposal, the separation channel is partitioned into a series of smaller separation zones by means of electrode pairs. This paper considers two different electrode configurations, namely arranged along a single side of the separation channel, and arranged on two sides of the separation channel. The quality of the separation achieved with these two configurations is then compared with the traditional straight separation channel approach. The results confirm that the proposed method is successful in maintaining an adequate field strength for separation purposes in a low-voltage driven CE chip. Furthermore, it is determined that the best separation results are obtained using electrodes arranged along both sides of the separation channel.

Bacteriophages↗