Lab-on-chip column for space missions' application: design optimization of fluidic interface and column inlet-outlet to combine test reliability and maximum efficiency.

This work presents MEMS columns developed and integrated onto a fluidic interface especially designed for space application and using two types of fluidic connections in order to minimize extra-column volumes and thereby improving analysis performance. The design and dimensions of the column inlet and outlet are modified to enhance the reliability of the column assembly onto the fluidic interface. The impact of those modifications as well as the internal diameter of capillary junctions on peak broadening and column efficiency is evaluated. Besides, the effect of the square channel shape on peak broadening comparing to cylindrical channel is evaluated. While the square channel contributes at 52% to column efficiency decrease comparing to a cylindrical column, the fluidic interfaces tested contributes to 10% (i.e. using the optimal connections) and 80% to column efficiency decrease relatively to a square channel column. Obtained results show that the optimal fluidic interface combined with the new column design allows obtaining reliable and reproducible results with higher values for column efficiency, due to minimizing extra-column volumes and a better junction between the fluidic interface and the column channel. Finally, the first coupling of the MEMS column to a mass spectrometer is successfully performed and validated through the analysis of a mixture of compounds bearing up to twenty carbon atoms.