Tunable sheathless microfluidic focusing using ion concentration polarization

In this study, we developed a tunable sheathless focusing method for focusing micrometer- and nanometer-sized particles, using ion concentration polarization (ICP) in an ion-selective, resin-coated channel. The particle movement was regulated using an electric field, and by varying the flow rate and ionic strength of the liquid solution; various phenomena were observed, depending on the particle properties. Here, we provide insights into the physical basis of the ICP-focusing phenomena, and a statistical approach for analyzing the particle movement. This ICP-focusing technology is an approach that could be applied for the separation and sorting of various particles, including cells, proteins, and bacteria.