SKU	Name	Unit	Price	Delivery	QTY
BLTC01	Temperature sensitive flow control agent TC-1	100G	$100	10days
BLTC01	Temperature sensitive flow control agent TC-1	500G	$353.8	10days

Description Operation References

A thermosensitive polymer, non-ionic and highly hydrophilic (HLB ≈ 18–22).

Core mechanism:

At low temperatures, the flow control agent disperses in aqueous solution, forming a low-viscosity transparent liquid. When the temperature rises to the critical gelation point, it forms a three-dimensional network gel structure, significantly increasing solution viscosity.

Application principle:

•Dynamic viscosity control: Gelation is triggered by localized heating (e.g., chip heating module) or ambient temperature changes, increasing fluid resistance in microchannels to delay the flow rate of samples or reagents.

•Reversibility: The gel reverts to liquid upon cooling, allowing chip reuse.

Concentration range: 15%–30% (w/v), adjustable based on chip design and temperature control requirements.

•Low concentration (15–20%): Higher gelation temperature (25–30°C), suitable for delay control via ambient temperature.

•High concentration (25–30%): Lower gelation temperature (18–22°C), requiring active heating to trigger gelation.

Operation

Solution Preparation: Dissolve the flow control agent powder in cold (4°C) deionized water and stir until completely dissolved.

Chip Loading: Inject the solution into the microfluidic channel, avoiding bubble formation.

Temperature Activation: Raise the temperature to the target level (e.g., 25°C) using an integrated chip heater or external temperature control device to form a gel and delay chromatography.

Release and Reset: After the delay period, cool the system below 15°C to dissolve the gel and restore fluid flow.

Precautions

1.Precise Temperature Control

•The gelation temperature is sensitive to concentration; the heating module must be calibrated (±1°C error tolerance).

2.Biocompatibility Verification

•High concentrations of the flow control agent may inhibit cell activity; test the activity retention rate of target biomolecules (e.g., enzymes, cells).

3.Risk of Channel Blockage

•Incomplete gelation or impurities may cause local blockages; pre-filter the solution (0.22 μm filter membrane recommended).

4.Viscosity-Flow Rate Matching

•High viscosity may exceed the pressure tolerance of micropumps; optimize concentration based on chip material (e.g., PDMS pressure resistance).

5.Long-Term Stability

•Repeated temperature cycling may degrade the flow control agent; replace the chip after a single experiment or store it at low temperatures.

6.Compatibility with Other Reagents

•Avoid co-existence with strong ionic surfactants (e.g., SDS), as they may disrupt the micelle structure.

Case Studies

Case 1: DNA Hybridization Detection Delay

•Concentration: 20% flow control agent

•Temperature Control: Gelation at 25°C, delay time of 30 minutes

•Result: Hybridization signal intensity increased 2-fold, background reduced by 50%

Case 2: Microfluidic PCR Stepwise Reaction

•Concentration: 25% flow control agent

•Temperature Control: Gelation triggered at 22°C, stepwise release of primers and enzymes

•Result: Non-specific amplification reduced, product purity improved

Temperature sensitive flow control agent TC-1

Operation

References