Fabrication and use of semipermeable membranes and gels for the control of electrolysis

Abstract

Microfluidic devices having one or more membranes and methods of use for the microfluidic devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is disclosed that includes a body with first fluid passage and a membrane located between a first reservoir and the first fluid passage. A first electrode is in electrical communication with the first reservoir and a second electrode is in electrical communication with the first fluid passage. A potential applied across the first and second electrodes is capable of passing charged molecules through the membrane.

1 . A microfluidic device comprising:
 (a) a body comprising a first fluid passage and a sieving matrix positioned in the first fluid passage;   (b) a membrane located between a first reservoir and the first fluid passage, wherein the first reservoir and the first fluid passage are in fluid communication across the membrane;   (c) a first electrode in electrical communication with the first reservoir; and   (d) a second electrode in electrical communication with the first fluid passage;   (e) wherein a potential applied across the first and second electrodes is capable of passing charged molecules through the membrane, and   (f) wherein the first fluid passage is proximate to and fluidicly coupled to a second reservoir and the first electrode is positioned in the first reservoir.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein microfluidic device additionally comprises a detector capable of detecting the presence of an analyte in a fluid passage. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  additionally comprising a third electrode in electrical communication with the first fluid passage. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the body is polymethylsiloxane material. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the microfluidic device additionally comprises a convective fluid flow mechanism selected from the group consisting of external pumps, piezoelectric micropumps, and gravitational pull. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  additionally including a third reservoir in fluidic communication with the first fluid passage. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the second electrode is positioned in the second reservoir.