Low-power concentration and separation using temperature gradient focusing via Joule heating.

We present an experimental study of temperature gradient focusing (TGF) exploiting an inherent Joule heating phenomenon. A simple variable-width PDMS device delivers rapid and repeatable focusing of model analytes using significantly lower power than conventional TGF techniques. High electric potential applied to the device induces a temperature gradient within the microchannel due to the channel's variable width, and the temperature-dependent mobility of the analytes causes focusing at a specific location. The PDMS device also shows simultaneous separation and concentration capability of a mixture of two sample analytes in less than 10 min. An experiment combining Joule heating with external heating/cooling further supports the hypothesis that temperature is indeed the dominant factor in achieving focusing with this technique.