AVS 58th Annual International Symposium and Exhibition
    Biomaterial Interfaces Division Monday Sessions
       Session BI-MoA

Paper BI-MoA3
Transport Properties of Proteins and Quantum Dots in Nanochannels in Multi-Gated Field-Effect-Transistor Configuration

Monday, October 31, 2011, 2:40 pm, Room 108

Session: Sensors and Fluidics for Biomedical Applications
Presenter: Louis Tribby, University of New Mexico
Authors: L. Tribby, University of New Mexico
F. Van Swol, Sandia National Laboratories
C.F. Ivory, Washington State University
S.M. Han, University of New Mexico
Correspondent: Click to Email
The use of nanofluidic architectures as a means of concentrating and separating biomolecules, nanoparticles, and other small species of similar size scale may prove useful in developing new bioseparation and detection technologies. Recognizing this potential, a variety of nanofluidic devices have emerged that utilize enhanced electrokinetic control of fluid and molecular/particle motions at these scales. In our study, we have fabricated an array of slit-like nanochannels (100 nm w x 400 nm d x 15 mm l) in a multi-gated field-effect-transistor configuration, using interferometric lithography and conventional top-down fabrication techniques. Our main objective in developing such a dynamically controllable separation platform is to further increase our ability to rapidly concentrate and separate proteins (or nanoparticles) that have low abundance or require long separation time by conventional methods. In order to produce effective separation strategies, we have first experimentally characterized electrokinetic transport properties of proteins and nanoparticles within our device. Based on this characterization and understanding, we report a technique to form highly concentrated protein bands in our nanochannels. We will also report observable differences in electrokinetic mobility for semiconductor nanocrystals in aqueous solutions whose surface is functionalized with organic ligands to assume different charges. These results and their implications towards nanofluidic separation techniques will be further discussed.