PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

A microfluidic continuous flow lab-on-a-chip structure is presented, for combined reaction and separation implementation. Thereby, the geometry is optimized with respect to a long duration time in the reaction area and a narrow preconditioning along the separation site to enhance the separation yield. We theoretically predict high stability of separation and transport properties of the device against particle diffusion whereas the particle dynamics in the reaction site maintain a diffusive character. We derive a formula setting the limitations of the structure, relating the desired duration of the particles in the reaction site to the particle size under the condition of a narrow spatial particle distribution along the separation site. We experimentally realize the low diffusion limit to prove the theoretically predicted properties of the device. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3176942]