Nanofluidic gates for diffusion-free controlled release from microfluidic devices
Conference: Mikrosystemtechnik 2013 - Von Bauelementen zu Systemen
10/14/2013 - 10/16/2013 at Aachen, Deutschland
Proceedings: Mikrosystemtechnik 2013
Pages: 4Language: englishTyp: PDF
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Authors:
Jones, P. D.; Stelzle, M. (NMI – Naturwissenschaftliches und Medizinisches Institut, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany)
Molares, M. E. Toimil (GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, 64291 Darmstadt, Germany)
Trautmann, C. (GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, 64291 Darmstadt, Germany )
Abstract:
We present a novel mechanism for controlled fluid release, based on hydrophobic gating of nanopores. Pores produced by the ion-track etching method can switch between discrete open and closed states in response to applied voltages, evidenced by measurements of transmembrane ionic conductance. Such gating indicates the formation of a nanoscale vapour barrier in a hydrophobic region of the pore, which disrupts the solvent pathway through the membrane, and can reversibly open and close in response to electrical actuation.