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Dou J, Yang Z, Singh B, Ma B, Lu Z, Xu J, He Y. Discussion: Embracing microfluidics to advance environmental science and technology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 937:173597. [PMID: 38810741 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidics, also called lab-on-a-chip, represents an emerging research platform that permits more precise and manipulation of samples at the microscale or even down to the nanoscale (nanofluidic) including picoliter droplets, microparticles, and microbes within miniaturized and highly integrated devices. This groundbreaking technology has made significant strides across multiple disciplines by providing an unprecedented view of physical, chemical, and biological events, fostering a holistic and an in-depth understanding of complex systems. The application of microfluidics to address the challenges in environmental science is likely to contribute to our better understanding, however, it's not yet fully developed. To raise researchers' interest, this discussion first delineates the valuable and underutilized environmental applications of microfluidic technology, ranging from environmental surveillance to acting as microreactors for investigating interfacial dynamic processes, and facilitating high-throughput bioassays. We highlight, with examples, how rationally designed microfluidic devices lead to new insights into the advancement of environmental science and technology. We then critically review the key challenges that hinder the practical adoption of microfluidic technologies. Specifically, we discuss the extent to which microfluidics accurately reflect realistic environmental scenarios, outline the areas to be improved, and propose strategies to overcome bottlenecks that impede the broad application of microfluidics. We also envision new opportunities and future research directions, aiming to provide guidelines for the broader utilization of microfluidics in environmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibo Dou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhugen Yang
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - Baljit Singh
- MiCRA Biodiagnostics Technology Gateway and Health, Engineering & Materials Science (HEMS) Research Hub, Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), Dublin D24 FKT9, Ireland
| | - Bin Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhijiang Lu
- Department of Environmental Science and Geology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Jianming Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan He
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Zhang Y, Li J, Jiao S, Li Y, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Maryam B, Liu X. Microfluidic sensors for the detection of emerging contaminants in water: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172734. [PMID: 38663621 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, numerous emerging contaminants have been identified in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water. Developing novel sensing methods for detecting diverse emerging pollutants in water is urgently needed, as even at low concentrations, these pollutants can pose a serious threat to human health and environmental safety. Traditional testing methods are based on laboratory equipment, which is highly sensitive but complex to operate, costly, and not suitable for on-site monitoring. Microfluidic sensors offer several benefits, including rapid evaluation, minimal sample usage, accurate liquid manipulation, compact size, automation, and in-situ detection capabilities. They provide promising and efficient analytical tools for high-performance sensing platforms in monitoring emerging contaminants in water. In this paper, recent research advances in microfluidic sensors for the detection of emerging contaminants in water are reviewed. Initially, a concise overview is provided about the various substrate materials, corresponding microfabrication techniques, different driving forces, and commonly used detection techniques for microfluidic devices. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis is conducted on microfluidic detection methods for endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, microplastics, and perfluorinated compounds. Finally, the prospects and future challenges of microfluidic sensors in this field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Jiaxuan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Shipu Jiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Bushra Maryam
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Xianhua Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China.
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Guan Z, Liu Q, Ma CB, Du Y. Electrochemical microfluidic sensing platforms for biosecurity analysis. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024:10.1007/s00216-024-05256-2. [PMID: 38523160 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05256-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Biosecurity encompasses the health and safety of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. In this article, "biosecurity" is defined as encompassing the comprehensive aspects of human, animal, plant, and environmental safety. Reliable biosecurity testing technology is the key point for effectively assessing biosecurity risks and ensuring biosecurity. Therefore, it is crucial to develop excellent detection technologies to detect risk factors that can affect biosecurity. An electrochemical microfluidic biosensing platform integrates fluid control, target recognition, signal transduction, and output and incorporates the advantages of electrochemical analysis technology and microfluidic technology. Thus, an electrochemical microfluidic biosensing platform, characterized by exceptional analytical sensitivity, portability, rapid analysis speed, low reagent consumption, and low risk of contamination, shows considerable promise for biosecurity detection compared to traditional, more complex, and time-consuming detection technologies. This review provides a concise introduction to electrochemical microfluidic biosensors and biosecurity. It highlights recent research advances in utilizing electrochemical microfluidic biosensing platforms to assess biosecurity risk factors. It includes the use of electrochemical microfluidic biosensors for the detection of risk factors directly endangering biosecurity (direct application: namely, risk factors directly endangering the health of human, animals, and plants) and for the detection of risk factors indirectly endangering biosecurity (indirect application: namely, risk factors endangering the safety of food and the environment). Finally, we outline the current challenges and future perspectives of electrochemical microfluidic biosensing platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Guan
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate Science of Ministry of Education, National & Local United Engineering Laboratory for Power Batteries, Key Laboratory of Nanobiosensing and Nanobioanalysis at Universities of Jilin Province, Department of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, Jilin, China
| | - Quanyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, Jilin, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Chong-Bo Ma
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate Science of Ministry of Education, National & Local United Engineering Laboratory for Power Batteries, Key Laboratory of Nanobiosensing and Nanobioanalysis at Universities of Jilin Province, Department of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China.
| | - Yan Du
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, Jilin, China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China.
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Wang W, Xia L, Xiao X, Li G. Recent Progress on Microfluidics Integrated with Fiber-Optic Sensors for On-Site Detection. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2067. [PMID: 38610279 PMCID: PMC11014287 DOI: 10.3390/s24072067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
This review introduces a micro-integrated device of microfluidics and fiber-optic sensors for on-site detection, which can detect certain or several specific components or their amounts in different samples within a relatively short time. Fiber-optics with micron core diameters can be easily coated and functionalized, thus allowing sensors to be integrated with microfluidics to separate, enrich, and measure samples in a micro-device. Compared to traditional laboratory equipment, this integrated device exhibits natural advantages in size, speed, cost, portability, and operability, making it more suitable for on-site detection. In this review, the various optical detection methods used in this integrated device are introduced, including Raman, ultraviolet-visible, fluorescence, and surface plasmon resonance detections. It also provides a detailed overview of the on-site detection applications of this integrated device for biological analysis, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Lastly, this review addresses the prospects for the future development of microfluidics integrated with fiber-optic sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaohua Xiao
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (W.W.); (L.X.)
| | - Gongke Li
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (W.W.); (L.X.)
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Kim Y, Jeon Y, Na M, Hwang SJ, Yoon Y. Recent Trends in Chemical Sensors for Detecting Toxic Materials. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:431. [PMID: 38257524 PMCID: PMC10821350 DOI: 10.3390/s24020431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Industrial development has led to the widespread production of toxic materials, including carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic chemicals. Even with strict management and control measures, such materials still pose threats to human health. Therefore, convenient chemical sensors are required for toxic chemical monitoring, such as optical, electrochemical, nanomaterial-based, and biological-system-based sensors. Many existing and new chemical sensors have been developed, as well as new methods based on novel technologies for detecting toxic materials. The emergence of material sciences and advanced technologies for fabrication and signal-transducing processes has led to substantial improvements in the sensing elements for target recognition and signal-transducing elements for reporting interactions between targets and sensing elements. Many excellent reviews have effectively summarized the general principles and applications of different types of chemical sensors. Therefore, this review focuses on chemical sensor advancements in terms of the sensing and signal-transducing elements, as well as more recent achievements in chemical sensors for toxic material detection. We also discuss recent trends in biosensors for the detection of toxic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Youngdae Yoon
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (Y.J.); (M.N.); (S.-J.H.)
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Chen D, Xu W, Huang Z, Liu J, Long F. A reusable fiber-embedded microfluidic chip for rapid and sensitive on-site detection of kanamycin residues in water environments. Analyst 2023; 148:6120-6129. [PMID: 37929744 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01409f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The overuse and abuse of antibiotics have led to increased pollution in water environments. Thus, it is crucial to develop a rapid, high-frequency, and cost-effective method for on-site detection of antibiotics. In this regard, a reusable fiber-embedded microfluidic chip was constructed by combining a microfluidic chip with a functionalized fiber bioprobe that served as both a biorecognition element and an optical transducer. The fiber-embedded microfluidic chip enabled the quantitative detection of kanamycin (KANA) by integrating a portable all-fiber evanescent wave fluorescence detection device. Under optimized conditions, quantitative KANA detection was achieved with a detection limit of 0.03 μg L-1 and a linear detection range of 0.21-10.3 μg L-1. The accurate detection of KANA in various water samples can be completed within 25 min without pretreatment. The functionalized fiber-embedded microfluidic chip could be reused more than 200 times without significant performance loss. To demonstrate its suitability for practical applications, the fiber-embedded microfluidic chip was used to investigate KANA residues in surface waters obtained from the Qinghe River in Beijing, China. The results were compared with those of a traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which showed a high correlation. Compared to conventional optical microfluidic chips, the proposed fiber-embedded microfluidic chip has several advantages, including its ease of use, miniaturization, cost-effectiveness, reusability, and high flexibility. It is an ideal alternative for rapid, sensitive on-site detection of antibiotics and other trace substances in environmental, food, and medical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Chen
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China.
| | - Wenjuan Xu
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China.
| | - Ziqin Huang
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China.
| | - Jiayuan Liu
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China.
| | - Feng Long
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China.
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