Design of microfluidic fluorescent sensor arrays for real-time and synchronously visualized detection of multi-component heavy metal ions

Abstract

The majority of the environmental heavy metal ions exist in the form of multi-components, and the current single-to-single rapid detection methods are unable to meet the needs of simultaneous multi-component detection. Here, we have designed a microfluidic fluorescence sensor array by combining microfluidic sensing and organic fluorescent switches for the real-time and simultaneous visual detection of multi-component heavy metal ions. A series of “light-up” organic molecular probes was designed and synthesized, exhibiting a strong ability to bind heavy metal ions and resulting in the opening of probe fluorescence. Meanwhile, we design microfluidic sensor plate, the patterned path of the microfluidic plate has drainage channel wall and 2.70° downward slope, which can enable the samples to quickly reach the detection area. By loading organic molecular probes into the detection area, the microfluidic sensor array achieves simultaneous detection of four heavy metal ions. Combined with intelligent terminal, read and analyze the RGB color mode (RGB) results of detection, obtain quantitative information. The microfluidic fluorescence sensor array developed here can meet the requirements for in situ and semi-quantitative detection of a range of heavy metal ions with a low detection limit, fast reaction speed, and without the need for pretreatment. It represents a novel engineering technology approach for real-time detection of multi-components in the environment.