Computer-supported design of chemical analysis chips for (bio)pharmaceutical separations

The project aims exploring a totally new possibility to prepare chromatographic columns. The photolithographic etching technique from the microelectronics industry will be used to etch very regular arrays of microscopic pillars in a priori deposed micro-porous layers. The application of these techniques in chromatography would be unique. After etching, the layers will be covered with a micro-channel which is etched on a silicium or quartz plate and in which also the required in- and export channels as well as the sample and buffer reservoirs are etched. A perfect control over the pillar dimensions should allow producing chromatographic columns with a perfect homogeneity and order of packing elements (pillars) and flow-through pores.