Abstract
We present a generalizable fabrication method for a new class of analytical devices that merges virtually any microfluidic design with high-sensitivity on-chip attenuated total reflection (ATR) sampling using any standard Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Termed "spectIR-fluidics", a major design feature is the integration of a multi-groove silicon ATR crystal into a microfluidic device, compared with previous approaches in which the ATR surface served as a structural support for the entire device. This was accomplished by the design, fabrication, and aligned bonding of a highly engineered ATR sensing layer, which con```tains a seamlessly embedded ATR crystal on the channel side and an optical access port that matched the spectrometer light path characteristics at the device exterior. The refocused role of the ATR crystal as a dedicated analytical element, combined with optimized light coupling to the spectrometer, results in limits of detection as low as 540 nM for a D-glucose solution, arbitrarily complex channel features that are fully enclosed, and up to 18 world-to-chip connections. Three purpose-built spectIR-fluidic cartridges are used in a series of validation experiments followed by several point-of-application studies on biofilms from the gut microbiota of plastic-consuming insects using a small portable spectrometer.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.