Trägerfluid

Trägerfluid refers to a fluid that carries a dispersed phase (particles, droplets, cells) or energy through a system. In industrial and laboratory contexts, it acts as the medium enabling transport, reaction, or separation. The choice depends on chemical compatibility with the dispersed phase, desired transport properties, and system constraints such as viscosity, density, and temperature range.

In chromatography, the Trägerfluid is the mobile phase that moves analytes through a stationary phase, enabling separation based on interactions. In microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip devices, the carrier fluid drives laminar flow to dispense, mix, or react reagents with precise control over flow rates, pressures, and shear forces.

In pharmacology and medicine, a carrier fluid (vehicle) is used to dissolve or suspend active pharmaceutical ingredients for administration, often requiring sterility, isotonicity, and biocompatibility. Common vehicles include saline, buffered solutions, glycerol, or lipid emulsions, depending on route of administration (parenteral, topical, oral).

Key properties influencing suitability include chemical inertness to the dispersed material, appropriate viscosity and density, compatibility with device materials, volatility (when relevant), and stability of suspended or dissolved species. The carrier fluid can also affect reaction kinetics, heat transfer, or particle stability.

Safety and regulatory aspects are important for medical or food-grade applications, with requirements from pharmacopeias and standards for endotoxin levels, sterility, and storage.