Development and applications of a microfluidic reactor with multiple analytical probes

Abstract

We report the development of a versatile microfluidic (MF) reactor with multiple analytical probes, which can be used for (i) quantitative characterisation of molecular vibrational signatures of reactants or products, (ii) the localised real-time monitoring of temperature and (iii) site-specific measurements of pH of the reaction system. The analytical probes utilised for in situ reaction analysis include an ATR-FTIR probe, a temperature probe, and a pH probe. We demonstrate the applications of the MF reactor with integrated probes for the parallel monitoring of multiple variables in acid/base neutralisation reaction, of changes in buffer pH, temperature, and vibrational absorption bands, and for monitoring the kinetics of the reaction between CO(2) and a buffer system with therapeutic applications.

Flow‐Based Deacidification of Geobacter sulfurreducens Biofilms Depends on Nutrient Conditions: a Microfluidic Bioelectrochemical Study

“…However, in situ measurements of changing pH within microchannels are not straightforward. Microfluidic designs that include embedded miniature pH electrodes have been demonstrated for measurement of liquid analytes,, but challenges include the fragility of typical porous glass materials used in these designs, mismatches in geometry with channel walls, and the likelihood of disruptions to local flow conditions. Moreover, long‐term growth around the non‐conductive tip of an embedded pH probe are not be representative of a typical electrode‐adhered biofilm.…”

One-Step Fabrication of Microchannels with Integrated Three Dimensional Features by Hot Intrusion Embossing

“…Their physical robustness enables reliable fluidic and probe interfacing, embedded valves, as well as stable operating conditions, even under high pressures [3,4,5]. Cost still remains the bottleneck for higher penetration of these devices into the growing global market, especially for designs that require integration of functional and/or complex features.…”

Recent Advancements towards Full-System Microfluidics

“…Thermoplastics are poised to accelerate next phase microfluidic devices due to their range of application-selective material properties and bonding methodologies. Related to the potential for supporting integrated systems, their physical robustness enables the integration of embedded probes, sensors and valves as well as reliable world-to-chip fluidic connections, all in a robust system that can operate for long times even under high pressures [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. It can also solve the problem of PDMS permeability to small molecules, such as CO 2 and O 2 .…”