Methods for fabricating sample separation apparatus including porous silicon columns

Abstract

A sample separation apparatus including a porous, or rough, capillary column. The porous capillary column includes a matrix which defines pores, and may be formed from a material such as porous silicon. The capillary column is defined in a surface of a substrate, such as a silicon substrate. The sample separation apparatus may include a stationary phase or a capture substrate disposed on the surfaces of the matrices thereof. The sample separation apparatus may also include a detector positioned proximate the capillary column. A variation of the sample separation apparatus includes an electrode proximate each end of the capillary column. The sample separation apparatus may be employed to effect various types of chromatographic separation, electrophoretic separation, and analyte identification.

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