A Novel Microfluidic Flow Rate Detection Method Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance Temperature Imaging

Shijie Deng,Peng Wang,Shengnan Liu,Xinglong Yu,Shanzhi Xu,Tianze Zhao,Mingjiang Guo

doi:10.3390/s16070964

Abstract

A novel microfluidic flow rate detection method based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) temperature imaging is proposed. The measurement is performed by space-resolved SPR imaging of the flow induced temperature variations. Theoretical simulations and analysis were performed to demonstrate a proof of concept using this approach. Experiments were implemented and results showed that water flow rates within a wide range of tens to hundreds of μL/min could be detected. The flow rate sensor is resistant to disturbances and can be easily integrated into microfluidic lab-on-chip systems.

Highlights

There is an increasing demand for microfluidic flow rate measurement technologies in various research fields, such as bio-chemical analysis, sample mixing, and environmental monitoring
A microfluidic flow rate detection method based on Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) temperature imaging is
A microfluidic flow rate detection method based on SPR temperature imaging presented

Summary

Introduction

There is an increasing demand for microfluidic flow rate measurement technologies in various research fields, such as bio-chemical analysis, sample mixing, and environmental monitoring. According to the detection method, thermal flow rate sensors can be classified into three categories: hot element anemometers [8,9], calorimetric flow rate sensors [10,11] and time of flight sensors [12,13]. Calorimetric flow rate sensors which use thermistors that are laid either up- or down-stream of a heater to detect the flow induced temperature distribution, are of the highest sensitivity. The layout of the heater and thermistors is a key design factor that determines the measurement sensitivity and dynamic range [14,15,16]. Once the distance between the heater and thermistors is determined, the measurable flow is limited to a specific dynamic range inversely proportional to sensibility

Methods

Results

Conclusion