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This paper presents a novel approach to generating steady-state linear concentration gradients in microfluidic channels using electrochemical reactions, enabling precise control over chemical environments for microbial electrochemical systems (MES) research. The method utilizes a three-electrode setup to create a concentration gradient perpendicular to the flow field, allowing for the study of microbial behavior under controlled conditions. This technique has potential applications in optimizing MES performance and understanding microbial interactions with electrodes.

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Abstract

A new design of microelectrode was introduced to generate electrochemically steady-state linear concentration gradients perpendicular to the flow direction throughout the cross section of microchannels. The shape and geometry of the electrode were established based on operating regimes at microchannel electrodes. Before implementation, optimal conditions were preliminary delineated by numerical simulations according to the flow velocity and microchannel dimensions. To assess experimentally these predictions, a specific microfluidic platform was developed with optimized geometry to simultaneously allow the generation of linear concentration gradients and the mapping of concentration profiles by confocal fluorescence microscopy. As a model, the electrochemical reduction of a quinone in the presence of fluorescein was selected to both generate and monitor a linear proton gradient. A good agreement was observed between theoretical and experimental data, establishing the proof of concept. These results should broaden the performance and applications of electrochemical platforms, particularly in the field of active control of microenvironments in biology, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry.

Keywords

MicrochannelMicrofluidicsMicroelectrodePerpendicularElectrodeSteady state (chemistry)

Identifiers

DOI
10.1021/acs.analchem.0c00645
PubMed
32352761
Journal
Analytical Chemistry
Year
2020