Analytical Sciences

Abstract − Analytical Sciences, 20(12), 1721 (2004).

Polydimethylsiloxane Connection for Quartz Microchips in a High-Pressure System
Yukihiro SHINTANI,* Keiji HIRAKO,* Masanori MOTOKAWA,* Yoshihiko TAKANO,* Masahiro FURUNO,* Hiroyoshi MINAKUCHI,** and Mitsuyoshi UEDA***
*GL Sciences Inc., 237-2 Sayamagahara, Iruma, Saitama 358-0032, Japan
**Kyoto Monotech Co., 13 Shibanomiya-cho, Shimotsubayashi, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8035, Japan
***Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Katsura Campus, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
An interconnecting technique, the “DMS connection method”, for quartz microchips in a high-pressure system is presented. The connection between quartz microchips is an essential technology for modular microfluidic devices, such as microchip-HPLC. PDMS was applied to the seal material, being spread on the seal side of the chips, and set into the metal housing. The characteristics of the PDMS connection method concerning pressure resistance and the extension of the peak were examined. The experimental results showed a good seal at 5 MPa, which seem to be sufficient for realizing microchip-HPLC utilizing a monolithic silica capillary column as a separation medium. The influence of the extra column effect on chromatographic separation was almost the same as in the case using a commercial union fitting. In addition, the PDMS connection enabled the detachability of chip-based modules with user-friendliness. Our experimental findings suggest that the novel PDMS connection method can possibly be applied as a generic technology in high-pressure µTAS.