AbstractsChemistry

Concern for the economic and environmental impact of chemical analysis has been a driving force behind the miniaturization of analytical analysis. Complex techniques require multiple procedures, highly qualified personnel, sample collection, preparation, reagent storage, waste management and equipment maintenance. The high material, monetary and time costs make the benefits of miniaturization substantial. In addition, the miniaturization of chemical experiments advances analytical chemistry, biochemistry, medicine and environmental science. Shorter diffusion times, the potential for parallelism and the conservation of reagents and samples all contribute to the motivations of microfluidic development. However, smaller experimental volumes create many challenges that must be overcome. Seemingly easy steps on a macro-scale can become unwieldy and inaccurate when applied to microfluidics. This thesis presents the development of several new functions to overcome limitations native to small volumes in centrifugal microfluidics (CM). CM is unique in using centrifugal force to drive liquid flow on a preparative or analytical device. The benefits of CM over traditional microfluidics are numerous. CM does not require outside connections for pumps or place limitations on the properties of the reagents in order to use electric or osmotic forces. CM can function in a larger range of volumes and is highly parallel. However, most of the benefits of CM require the constant rotation of the device. This thesis demonstrates several new functions that do not require the device to stop rotating. Included in this thesis are; (1) a synchronized spectrometer for the measurement of visible light spectra while the device is in motion, (2) a configuration for the generation of small aliquots, (3) a modified passive valve for restricting liquid flow, (4) a liquid deposition method for reagents to a single outlet, (5) two designs for modular development of CM experiments. Une préoccupation croissante pour l'impact économique et environnemental de l'analyse chimique a été une force motrice derrière la miniaturisation de l'analyse analytique. Des techniques complexes nécessitent de multiples procédures, du personnel hautement qualifié, la collecte d'échantillon, une préparation, le stockage de réactif, une gestion des déchets, et l'entretien du matériel. Ce matériel de haute complexité avec des coûts financiers conséquents rendent les avantages de la miniaturisation importants. En outre, la miniaturisation des expériences chimiques font progresser la chimie analytique, la biochimie, la médecine et la science de l'environnement. Les réductions du temps de diffusion, le potentiel de parallélisme, la conservation des réactifs et des échantillons contribuent tous aux motivations du développement microfluidique. Cependant, de plus petits volumes expérimentaux créent de nombreux défis qui doivent être surmontés. Apparemment les étapes faciles sur une macro-échelle peuvent devenir lourdes et imprécises lorsqu'elles sont appliquées au microfluidiques.… Advisors/Committee Members: Eric Dunbar Salin (Supervisor).