H. Parhizkar
ZOLX Inc.,
United States
Keywords: microfluidics, lab-on-chip, selective adsorption, anti-fouling, surface chemistry, nano-texture, sample preparation, pre-concentration, bioprocessing, roll-to-roll replication
Summary:
We present a membraneless microfluidic separation approach that uses co-designed surface chemistry and micro/nano-texturing to capture and release target species from complex, fouling-prone feeds. The objective is process-relevant separation/enrichment, not only sample preparation, with a path to production via modular numbering-up. Chips have been fabricated via photolithography-defined masters and polymer lamination (multilayer PET/PC with pressure-sensitive adhesive bonding). Channel architectures incorporate passive mixing features to thin boundary layers and sustain high near-wall shear at modest ΔP. Surface treatments support selective adsorption with low nonspecific binding and on-demand regeneration for repeated use. We are now entering functional testing. The plan quantifies: (i) capture efficiency and enrichment factor across representative cosmetic, nutraceutical, and bioprocess fluids at process-relevant flowrates; (ii) pressure drop/energy per m³ compared to membrane and centrifuge baselines at matched volumetric throughput; (iii) fouling behavior and regeneration cycle life (capture–release stability, solvent consumption); and (iv) selectivity against off-targets that typically drive fouling. Initial observations (qualitative, pre-dataset): coupon and simple flow-cell trials indicate reduced nonspecific accumulation on textured, treated surfaces versus flat controls and reversible retention under mild elution. Prototype laminates show leak-free operation within the intended shear/ΔP range and maintain optical access for in-situ monitoring. These results informed the present chip designs and test matrix; formal performance data (throughput–efficiency curves, ΔP, enrichment, cycle durability) are being generated and will be reported if available at presentation time, together with failure modes and design updates. We outline an engineering path to process scaling: (a) numbering-up cartridge arrays with symmetry-tolerant manifolds; (b) roll-to-roll emboss/laminate for low unit cost; (c) cleaning-in-place compatible surface chemistries; and (d) a preliminary techno-economic/LCA frame identifying when surface-selective, membraneless separation outperforms pressure or thermal work. This work targets Microfluidic & Nanofluidic Platforms and spans biotech, cosmetic, and sustainable processing use cases where gentle, selective separation is valued and conventional equipment is constrained by fouling, shear, or energy.