Integration of ground aerogel particles as chromatographic stationary phase into microchip

C16 modified and ground monolithic silica aerogel particles in submicrometer size, as a new type of stationary phase was prepared and integrated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchip. The aerogel particles were packed into the microfluidic channel using a simple procedure, which does not require any special frit or fabrication step to retain the particles. The subnanoliter volume of samples can be transported through the porous, short length of packing with low pressure (<3 bar). Food dyes as test components could be separated using low pressure within 6 s. A 50-fold preconcentration could be achieved by retaining 100 nL volume of sample on the packing and elution with methanol. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.