Novel Microchip Electrophoresis (ME) Detection Methods

A separate project focuses on the use of bipolar electrochemistry to develop a novel detector with enhanced detection limits to couple with microchip electrophoresis (ME). This project includes the investigation of separation and detection methodologies for ME, as well as understanding the influence of separation field, oxidation/reduction potentials on electrochemical detection and influence of electroosmotic flow velocities, probe conditions on fluorescence/chemiluminescence detection. These studies are further investigated through modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics.

The image below illustrates a key step in the process of developing this novel detector, with diagrams showing bipolar electrochemical and fluorescence responses generated through a device consisting of a pyrolyzed photoresist film working electrode and a poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchip with a flow-gated sample injection interface. These response rates are evaluated and used to inform necessary adjustments to detection methodologies.