Micro-flow injection analysis system: on-chip sample preconcentration, injection and delivery using coupled monolithic electroosmotic pumps

Abstract

A micro-fluidic chip, within which two monolithic electroosmotic pumps are utilised for sample preconcentration, injection and delivery is presented. The monolithic pumps were capable of producing stable and bubble free flow rates at applied voltages below 2 kV, with a current <10 µA. Electrokinetic (EK) sample injection, down to low nano-litre volumes, was quantitatively controlled through applied voltage and injection times, whilst the sample pump delivered a carrier solution to indirectly dispense the sample. A nano-flow sensor (NFS) was used to continuously monitor the flow rate stability of each pump, showing response times of <5–10 s for changes in applied voltage. A capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector (C⁴D), as an off-chip on-capillary detector, was used to complete the micro-flow injection analysis (FIA) system. A monolithic electroosmotic pump (EOP), modified with an anionic surfactant, was used to demonstrate a novel approach to on-chip cation preconcentration and elution.