Integrated Chip-Based Microcolumn Separation Systems

Abstract

The prospects of inexpensive mass production of integrated chemical separation systems with superior analytical performance through modern microfabrication technology has stimulated considerable research activity over the past five years. In addition, these devices hold the promise of being extremely rugged, capable of analysis of very small sample volumes, and suitable for high-throughput analysis through parallel sample processing. The goal of the present article is to review major recent accomplishments in this rapidly advancing field. Since most research efforts up to now have been devoted to electric field driven separation systems, in particular to chip-based capillary electrophoresis, emphasis will be laid on the discussion of the physical-chemical basis of the operation and optimization of these devices.