Improvements in Mixing Time and Mixing Uniformity in Devices Designed for Studies of Protein Folding Kinetics
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Using a microfluidic laminar flow mixer designed for studies of protein folding kinetics, we demonstrate a mixing time of 1 +/- 1 micros with sample consumption on the order of femtomoles. We recognize two limitations of previously proposed designs: (1) size and shape of the mixing region, which limits mixing uniformity and (2) the formation of Dean vortices at high flow rates, which limits the mixing time. We address these limitations by using a narrow shape-optimized nozzle and by reducing the bend of the side channel streamlines. The final design, which combines both of these features, achieves the best performance. We quantified the mixing performance of the different designs by numerical simulation of coupled Navier-Stokes and convection-diffusion equations and experiments using fluorescence resonance energy-transfer (FRET)-labeled DNA.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC52-07NA27344
- OSTI ID:
- 1165827
- Journal Information:
- Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 79, Issue 15; ISSN 0003-2700
- Publisher:
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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