Ultrasonic Field-Flow Fractionation of Blood Plasma

This project continues the investigation of Ultrasonic forces coupled with Field-Flow Fractionationseparate macromolecules and cells. A prototype Ultrasonic Field-Flow Fractionation apparatus has beefabricated and tested. The device is configurable in three modes. Retention has been demonstrated inparticles ranging from l00nm to 80 micromoles, and effects due to various parameters such as acoustifrequency, wave mode, flow rate and particle size were evaluated experimentally to confirm predictedhave been shown to be rapid and achieved at low intensities compared to other acoustic methods. Phasfeasibility of expanding the new technology for the separation of blood plasma proteins and hemoglobadvance modeling of acoustic and flow parameters, and develop an associated apparatus optimized formacromolecule blood plasma components. A prototype USFFF device targeting l to 100nm particles willfabricated and tested in Phase I.