Vortex Configuration Flow Cell Based on Low-Temperature Cofired Ceramics As a Compact Chemiluminescence Microsystem

Abstract

The integration of optical detection methods in continuous flow microsystems can highly extend their range of application, as long as some negative effects derived from their scaling down can be minimized. Downsizing affects to a greater extent the sensitivity of systems based on absorbance measurements than the sensitivity of those based on emission ones. However, a careful design of the instrumental setup is needed to maintain the analytical features in both cases. In this work, we present the construction and evaluation of a simple miniaturized optical system, which integrates a novel flow cell configuration to carry out chemiluminescence (CL) measurements using a simple photodiode. It consists of a micromixer based on a vortex structure, which has been constructed by means of the low-temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) technology. This mixer not only efficiently promotes the CL reaction due to the generated high turbulence but also allows the detection to be carried out in the same area, avoiding intensity signal losses. As a demonstration, a flow injection system has been designed and optimized for the detection of cobalt(II) in water samples. It shows a linear response between 2 and 20 microM with a correlation of r > 0.993, a limit of detection of 1.1 microM, a repeatability of RSD = 12.4%, and an analysis time of 17 s. These results demonstrate the suitability of the proposal to the determination of compounds involved in CL reactions by means of an easily constructed versatile device based on low-cost instrumentation.

Elevating Chemistry Research with a Modern Electronics Toolkit

“…Another such device, just incorporating a photodetector, took advantage of chemiluminescence to detect cobalt(II) in water samples. 398 In earlier reports, similar devices with monolithic integration of fluidic and electronic components were used for potentiometric detection of chloride ions in water samples with ionselective electrodes as sensors. 396,399 In another report, the LTCC technology was used to build a miniaturized fluidic device with temperature control.…”

Compact and autonomous multiwavelength microanalyzer for in-line and in situ colorimetric determinations

“…Most of them involve the integration of a glass window onto the microfluidic device for its later coupling to an optical detection system usually based on a LED and a photodetector. Modular microanalyzers with these features include devices that have been used to determine chromium(VI) 9 and cobalt(II) 10 in water and urea in milk. 11 Other modular colorimetric microanalyzers use optical fibers as an intermediate stage to the optical detection system.…”

Magnetic hydrogel nanocomposites as remote controlled microfluidic valves

“…4 LTCC is currently being developed for highly integrated microsystems and microfluidic devices for chemical analysis, materials synthesis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). [5][6][7][8] LTCC utilizes a layered assembly process and is compatible with a wide range of metallic and ceramic materials, making it a logical choice for the integration of complex, truly three-dimensional structures and multifunctional materials. Since LTCC is a true packaging technology, LTCC modules are more durable than polymeric substrates and there is no need for an additional protective envelope as when utilizing Si-based MEMS devices.…”