Tube Radial Distribution Chromatography on a Microchip Incorporating Microchannels with a Three-to-One Channel Confluence Point

Abstract

We developed a capillary chromatography system using a phase-separated solvent mixture as a carrier solution—i.e., a water-hydrophilic/hydrophobic organic solvent mixture—which we call “tube radial distribution chromatography” (TRDC). Here, we attempted to apply the TRDC system to a microchip incorporating microchannels with a double T-junction for injection of analyte solution and a three-to-one, narrow-to-wide channel confluence point for tube radial distribution phenomenon (TRDP) at room temperature. A ternary mixed solvent of water, acetonitrile and ethyl acetate was used as a carrier solution. TRDP in the wide microchannel was examined using various flow rates, temperatures, and component solvent ratios. Successful observation was carried out using a fluorescence microscope-CCD camera. Model analytes perylene (hydrophobic) and Eosin Y (hydrophilic) were separated by flowing through the microchannel, without any treatment such as packed columns or coating, at room temperature (25°C).