The researches conducted during this thesis consist in a first step for the development of experimental methods applied to the concentration of nanoparticles using micro-nanofluidic devices. The main aim is to explore different system architectures where the préconcentration step are achieved using steric and/or ion exclusion under the influence of a pressure and/or electric field. A special attention is directed toward the characterization methods including Micro-Particle Image Velocimetry micro-PIV and fluorescent microscopy to measure the nanoparticles repartition and to quantify the concentration folds. The first axis deals with the preconcentration of nanoparticles within « Bypass » like architectures. Concerning the steric filtration, a theoretical model using finite element method allows to predict the rising of a located preconcentration zone where the local concentration is enhanced 1000 fold as compared to the initial concentration after 1h of concentration operation. Silicon Micro-nanofluidic devices were fabricated in order to conduct a parametric study. According to the proposed theoretical model, this study shows that the Peclet number is a key parameter to choose the optimal design and experimental conditions. Concerning the electrokinetic preconcentration, the experiments mainly consisted in exploring the ICP phenomenon (Ion Concentration Polarization) and in using this technic to preconcentrate nanoparticles. Finally the Bypass geometry was tested in many conditions. Thus, the advantageous coupling of electro-hydrodynamic phenomena such as the so called “streaming potential” opens new ways to fast, simple and manual preconcentration systems suitable for LOC applications. The second axis is dedicated to the conception and utilization of original micro-nanofluidic configurations. Will also be studied radial micro-nanofluidic devices offering better stability during electrokinetic preconcentration. On the basis of the performances and limitations inherent to each systems, the last chapter will focus on the potential applications relative to LOC.
Development of nanofluidic components applied to filtration and Concentration.