DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2015.138
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1483
Date of Award
9-2015
Degree Name
MS in Biomedical Engineering
Department/Program
Biomedical and General Engineering
Advisor
David Clague
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis project is to demonstrate the ability to utilize electrophoresis in a cellulose paper microfluidic chip to manipulate charged particles. Materials were selected and a manufacturing protocol was created to successfully apply the electric field onto the paper chip. Experiments were performed to characterize the separation rates for charged, colorimetric dye, Orange G in the membrane as a function of an applied electric field, dye concentration, and distance traveled. The experiments confirmed that the electric field can be applied to the chip and particle separation rates were characterized. Next, the determined rates results were used to design a device that used a transverse electric field to the flow direction to separate Orange G into a collection channel. Results showed that electrophoresis can be used to separate the flow of charged particles on a paper microfluidic device. In conclusion, the application of electrophoresis was shown to be successful. An approach to be utilized as a sample treatment to improve the detecting capability of low cost paper devices for a more accurate diagnostic test in the developing world.