The extraction of target analytes from biological samples is a bottleneck in analysis. A microfluidic device featuring an electrokinetic size and mobility trap was formed by two nanojunctions of different pore size to extract and concentrate analytical targets from complex samples. The trap was seamlessly coupled with electrophoretic separation for quantitative analysis. The device was applied to the analysis of ampicillin levels in blood within 5 min and a linear response over the range of 2.5–20 μg mL⁻¹. This covers the recommended levels for treating sepsis, a critical condition with 30 to 50 % mortality and unpredicted drug levels. The device provides a new opportunity for on-site therapeutic drug monitoring, which should enable quick and accurate dosing and may save lives in such critical conditions.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	electrophoresis, microfluidics, lab on a chip
Research Division:	Chemical Sciences
Research Group:	Analytical chemistry
Research Field:	Separation science
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding knowledge in the chemical sciences
UTAS Author:	Shallan, AI (Ms Aliaa Shallan)
UTAS Author:	Guijt, RM (Dr Rosanne Guijt)
UTAS Author:	Breadmore, MC (Professor Michael Breadmore)
ID Code:	106968
Year Published:	2015
Funding Support:	Australian Research Council (FT130100101)
Web of Science® Times Cited:	11
Deposited By:	Chemistry
Deposited On:	2016-02-28
Last Modified:	2017-10-31
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