Cross Channel Thread-Based Microfluidic Device for Separation of Food Dyes

We described a method for electrophoretic separation of food dyes on a thread-based microfluidic analytical device. A cross channel thread-based microfluidic analytical device was fabricated and used to separate a mixture of food dyes. By controlling and adjusting the potentials applied onto four reservoirs, carmine and sunset yellow could be separated within 2 min. This method has the advantages of low cost, fast separation, and easy fabrication and operation, which make this very suitable for performing as a demonstration in universities. The students enjoyed this demonstration and presented some interesting and constructive questions after the demonstration, which indicated that the students were interested in the demonstration. This demonstration could also be modified to be a laboratory experiment which could be carried out within 3 h.