Flat flow profiles achieved with microfluidics generated by redox-magnetohydrodynamics.

Horizontal flow profiles having uniform velocities (3-13% RSD) at fixed heights across 0.5, 2.0, and 5.6 mm widths, with magnitudes of ≤124 µm/s, can be sustained along a ∼25.0 mm path using redox-magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) microfluidic pumping in a small volume (14.3 mm wide × 27.0 mm long × 620 µm high) on a chip. Uniform velocity profiles are important in moving volume elements without shape distortion for assays and separations for lab-on-a-chip applications. Fluid movement resulting from the MHD force (FB = j × B) was monitored with video microscopy by tracking 10 µm, polystyrene latex beads mixed into the solution. The ionic current density, j, was generated in 0.095 M K3Fe(CN)6, 0.095 M K4Fe(CN)6, and 0.095 M KCl by applying a constant current across a 0.5, 2.0, or 5.6 mm gap between an anode-cathode pair of electrodes, consisting of one to four shorted parallel, coplanar gold microbands [each 25.0 mm × 98 µm × âˆ¼100 nm (thickness), and separated by 102 µm] fabricated on an insulated silicon substrate. By shorting the increasing numbers of microbands together, increasing currents (118, 180, 246, and 307 µA) could be applied without electrode damage, and the impact of ionic current density gradients on velocity profiles over the anodes and cathodes could also be investigated. The magnetic field, B, was produced with a 0.36 T NdFeB permanent magnet beneath the chip. Data analysis was performed using particle image velocimetry software. A vertical flow profile was also obtained in the middle of the 5.6 mm gap.

Redox magnetohydrodynamics enhancement of stripping voltammetry of lead(II), cadmium(II) and zinc(II) ions using 1,4-benzoquinone as an alternative pumping species.

Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) coupled with redox-magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is used to enhance the anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) response using a mercury thin film-glassy carbon electrode. The sensitivity increased to at least a factor of two (at 1.2 T) and is facilitated by using 20.0 mmol L(-1) 1,4-benzoquinone as an alternative pumping species to enhance ASV by redox-MHD. The MHD force formed by the cross-product of ion flux with magnetic field induces solution convection during the deposition step, enhancing mass transport of the analytes to the electrode surface and increasing their preconcentrated quantity in the mercury thin film. Therefore, larger ASV peaks and improved sensitivities are obtained, compared with analyses performed without a magnet. The influence of pH, 1,4-benzoquinone concentration, accumulation potential, and time are also investigated. Detection limits of 0.05, 0.09 and 2.2 ng mL(-1) Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) were established with an accumulation time of 65 s. The method is used for the analysis of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) in different water samples, certified reference materials, and saliva samples with satisfactory results.

Microfabricated recessed microdisk electrodes: characterization in static and convective solutions.

Construction and characterization of microfabricated recessed microdisk electrodes (RMDs) of 14- and 55-µm diameters and 4-µm depth are reported. For evaluation of electrode function, both faradaic current in Ru(NH(3))(6)(3+)/KNO(3) solution and charging current in KNO(3) solution were measured with cyclic voltammetry. The experimental maximum current was measured and compared to calculated values, assuming radial and linear diffusion. A model for diffusion to a RMD best matches the behavior of the 14-µm RMD, which has a larger depth-to-diameter ratio than the 55-µm RMD. At fast scan rates (204 V s(-)(1)), where linear diffusion should dominate, there are large deviations from the linear diffusion model. Uncompensated resistance and overcorrection for background current contribute to this deviation. The dependence of capacitance on scan rate of the RMDs was found to be similar to that of a macroelectrode, indicating good adhesion between the insulator and the electrode. Chronoamperometry of Ru(NH(3))(6)(3+) in KNO(3) in both static and stirred solutions was performed using the RMDs and the current is compared to those from a 10-µm-diameter planar microdisk electrode (PMD). The signal-to-noise ratio of the 14-µm RMDs compared to the PMD is on average 4 times greater for stirred solutions. The 55-µm RMD exhibited no protection to convection of the stirred solution.

Fabrication and characterization of sputtered-carbon microelectrode arrays.

This paper describes a robust and reliable process for fabricating a novel sputter-deposited, thin-film carbon microelectrode array using standard integrated circuit technologies and silicon micromachining. Sputter-deposited carbon films were investigated as potential candidates for microelectrode materials. The surface properties and cross section of the microelectrode arrays were studied by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Electrical site impedance, crosstalk, and lifetime (dielectric integrity) of microelectrodes in the array were characterized. Electrochemical response of the microelectrodes to hexaammineruthenium(III) chloride and dopamine were investigated by fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and high-speed, computer-based chronoamperometry; results show that thin-film carbon microelectrodes are well-behaved electrochemically. The thin carbon films offer extremely good electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties and thus qualify as viable candidates for various electroanalytical applications, particularly acute neurophysiological studies.