Electrochemistry in Ultrasmall Volumes and Magnetohydrodynamic Microfluidics

University Of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR

Investigators

Abstract

Professor Ingrid Fritsch of the University of Arkansas is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program for her research on electrochemistry in ultrasmall volumes and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) microfluidics. The research on ultrasmall volumes will attempt to determine the smallest sample size and lowest concentration that can be amperometrically analyzed and how interactions with microfluidics affect such analyses. The effects of proximity of adjacent electrodes and of redox cycling from adjacent electrodes will be examined. Chemical modification of surfaces adjacent to electrodes will be evaluated with respect to immobilization chemistry and electrochemical detection will be studied in separate but closely spaced scenarios. The second thrust will determine the strengths and weaknesses of MHD for microfluidic applications. MHD microfluidics will be driven with an external magnet. On-chip suitability of MHD will be evaluated, and a demonstration system of an immunoassay test system utilizing MHD microfluidics will be constructed. As devices are miniaturized and analytical tests are demanded on chip platforms, the question of how to deliver fluids in tiny volumes becomes a challenge. Studies on ultrasmall volumes are complicated by evaporation and solution manipulation. Implementation of microfluidics methods and development of new ones are immediately needed for microanalysis.