Optimization of Nanofluidic Devices for Geometry-Induced Electrostatic Trapping

Single particle studies play an important role in understanding their physical and chemical properties. Electrostatic trapping is on one such robust method that allows for a contact-free high-throughput single nanoparticle trapping in an aqueous environment in a nanofluidic device. However, finding an optimum design solution for stiffer single particle trapping for different particles is a cumbersome process. This work presents all crucial geometrical parameters required to tune the trapping efficiency of the device, and their impact. Furthermore, the work enables to quickly identify and optimize nanofluidic devices design for stronger single particle confinement using numerical simulations, saving the massive experimental time required for device optimization.

D. Sharma, Prof. R. Y. H. Lim
Biozentrum
University of Basel
Basel 4056, Switzerland

D. Sharma, Dr. Y. Ekinci
Laboratory for Micro and Nanotechnology
Paul Scherrer Institut
Villigen 5232, Switzerland


Dr. T. Pfohl
Institute of Physics
University of Freiburg
Freiburg D-79104, Germany

Optimization of Nanofluidic Devices for Geometry-Induced
Electrostatic Trapping

Deepika Sharma,* Roderick Y. H. Lim, Thomas Pfohl, and Yasin Ekinci*

Particle Journal, 2021, www.particle-journal.com

DOI: 10.1002/ppsc.202000275