New optofluidic based lab-on-a-chip device for the real-time fluoride analysis

A PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) microfluidic channel coupled with UV-vis fibre-optic spectrometer and new synthesized colorimetric probe was integrated into an optofluidic based Lab-on-a-chip device for highly sensitive and real-time quantitative measurements of fluoride ions (F). An 'S' shaped microchannel in a microfluidic device was designed to act as microreactor to facilitate the continuous reaction between synthetized colorimetric probe (sensor) and F ions. Following this reaction, the UV-vis optical probe in the downstream detection zone of the microfluidic device was used to capture their spectrum and present as F concentration in real-time conditions. An initial study of the developed colorimetric probe with multi-colour change with several binding and chromophore groups such as -OH, -NH and -NO2 groups confirmed its high sensitivity and selectivity for F ions with a detection limit of 0.79 ppm. The performance of the developed optofluidic device was evaluated for the selective, sensitive detection of F ions including real samples out-performing conventional methods. The technology has advantages such as low sample consumption, rapid analysis, high sensitivity and portability. Presented new Lab-on-a-chip device provides many competitive advantages for the real-time analysis of F ions needed across broad sectors. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A PDMS microfluidic channel integrated with a UV-vis fibre-optic spectrometer and a new colorimetric probe was developed for sensitive and real-time quantitative measurements of fluoride ions (F). The device features an 'S' shaped microchannel acting as a microreactor to enhance the reaction between the colorimetric probe and F ions. This optofluidic device demonstrates high sensitivity and selectivity for F ions, outperforming conventional methods in detecting real samples.