Monolayer-functionalized microfluidics devices for optical sensing of acidity

Impact of nanotechnology on progress of flow methods in chemical analysis: A review

In evolution of instrumentation for analytical chemistry as crucial technological breakthroughs should be considered a common introduction of electronics with all its progress in integration, and then microprocessors which was followed by a widespread computerization. It is seems that a similar role can be attributed to the introduction of various elements of modern nanotechnology, observed with a fast progress since beginning of this century. It concerns all areas of the applications of analytical chemistry, including also progress in flow analysis, which are being developed since the middle of 20th century. Obviously, it should not be omitted the developed earlier and analytically applied planar structures like lipid membranes or self-assembled monolayers They had essential impact prior to discoveries of numerous extraordinary nanoparticles such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and graphene, or nanocrystalline semiconductors (quantum dots). Mostly, due to catalytic effects, significantly developed surface and the possibility of easy functionalization, their application in various stages of flow analytical procedures can significantly improve them. The application of new nanomaterials may be used for the development of new detection methods for flow analytical systems in macro-flow setups as well as in microfluidics and lateral flow immunoassay tests. It is also advantageous that quick flow conditions of measurements may be helpful in preventing unfavorable agglomeration of nanoparticles. A vast literature published already on this subject (e.g. almost 1000 papers about carbon nanotubes and flow-injection analytical systems) implies that for this reviews it was necessary to make an arbitrary selection of reported examples of this trend, focused mainly on achievements reported in the recent decade.

UV- and Visible-Light Photopatterning of Molecular Gradients Using the Thiol-yne Click Reaction

The rational design of chemical coatings is used to control surface interactions with small molecules, biomolecules, nanoparticles, and liquids as well as optical and other properties. Specifically, micropatterned surface coatings have been used in a wide variety of applications, including biosensing, cell growth assays, multiplexed biomolecule interaction arrays, and responsive surfaces. Here, a maskless photopatterning process is studied, using the photocatalyzed thiol-yne "click" reaction to create both binary and gradient patterns on thiolated surfaces. Nearly defect-free patterns are produced by first coating glass surfaces with mercaptopropylsilatrane, a silanizing agent that forms smoother self-assembled monolayers than the commonly used 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane. Photopatterning is then performed using UV (365 nm) or visible (405 nm) light to graft molecules onto the surface in tunable concentrations based on the local exposure. The technique is demonstrated for multiple types of molecular grafts, including fluorescent dyes, poly(ethylene glycol), and biotin, the latter allowing subsequent deposition of biomolecules via biotin-avidin binding. Patterning is demonstrated in water and dimethylformamide, and the process is repeated to combine molecules soluble in different phases. The combination of arbitrary gradient formation, broad applicability, a low defect rate, and fast prototyping thanks to the maskless nature of the process creates a particularly powerful technique for molecular surface patterning that could be used for a wide variety of micropatterned applications.

Surface Functionalization toward Biosensing via Free-Standing Si-OH Bonds on Nonoxidized Silicon Surfaces

Usually hydroxyl groups present on top of oxidized silicon served as binding centers for a silanization reaction toward surface functionalization. In this study, we developed a novel surface functionalization strategy where hydroxyl functionalization on nonoxidized silicon surfaces are obtained. These surfaces were stable for several weeks even in ambient air at room temperature. This high stability indicates a strong spatial isolation of the hydroxyl groups because they keenly tend to undergo a condensation reaction, forming silicon oxide. To prove the applicability of the obtained hydroxylated silicon surface, we further modified the hydroxyl groups with a commonly used silane molecule, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). The functional amino groups of the APTES layer bonded to the surface were subsequently altered by N-maleoyl-β-alanin to generate a surface highly specific for the immobilization of thiol-containing biomolecules (like thiolated single-stranded DNA or cysteine-tagged proteins). All modification steps have been investigated by IR spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements.

Recent Progress toward Microfluidic Quality Control Testing of Radiopharmaceuticals

Radiopharmaceuticals labeled with short-lived positron-emitting or gamma-emitting isotopes are injected into patients just prior to performing positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission tomography (SPECT) scans, respectively. These imaging modalities are widely used in clinical care, as well as in the development and evaluation of new therapies in clinical research. Prior to injection, these radiopharmaceuticals (tracers) must undergo quality control (QC) testing to ensure product purity, identity, and safety for human use. Quality tests can be broadly categorized as (i) pharmaceutical tests, needed to ensure molecular identity, physiological compatibility and that no microbiological, pyrogenic, chemical, or particulate contamination is present in the final preparation; and (ii) radioactive tests, needed to ensure proper dosing and that there are no radiochemical and radionuclidic impurities that could interfere with the biodistribution or imaging. Performing the required QC tests is cumbersome and time-consuming, and requires an array of expensive analytical chemistry equipment and significant dedicated lab space. Calibrations, day of use tests, and documentation create an additional burden. Furthermore, in contrast to ordinary pharmaceuticals, each batch of short-lived radiopharmaceuticals must be manufactured and tested within a short period of time to avoid significant losses due to radioactive decay. To meet these challenges, several efforts are underway to develop integrated QC testing instruments that automatically perform and document all of the required tests. More recently, microfluidic quality control systems have been gaining increasing attention due to vastly reduced sample and reagent consumption, shorter analysis times, higher detection sensitivity, increased multiplexing, and reduced instrumentation size. In this review, we describe each of the required QC tests and conventional testing methods, followed by a discussion of efforts to directly miniaturize the test or examples in the literature that could be implemented for miniaturized QC testing.

Continuous on-chip fluorescence labelling, free-flow isoelectric focusing and marker-free isoelectric point determination of proteins and peptides

We present a microfluidic platform that contains a micro flow reactor for on-chip biomolecule labelling that is directly followed by a separation bed for continuous free-flow electrophoresis and has an integrated hydrogel-based near-infrared fluorescent pH sensor layer. Using this assembly, labelling of protein and peptide mixtures, their separation via free-flow isoelectric focusing and the determination of the isoelectric point (pI) of the separated products via the integrated sensor layer could be carried out within typically around 5 minutes. Spatially-resolved immobilization of fluidic and sensing structures was carried out via multistep photolithography. The assembly was characterized and optimized with respect to their fluidic and pH sensing properties and applied in the IEF of model proteins, peptides and a tryptic digest from physalaemine. We have therefore realized continuous sample preparation and preparative separation, analyte detection, process observation and analyte assignment capability based on pI on a single platform the size of a microscope slide.

Local Light-Induced Modification of the Inside of Microfluidic Glass Chips

The ability to locally functionalize the surface of glass allows for myriad biomedical and chemical applications. This would be the case if the surface functionalization can be induced using light with wavelengths for which standard glass is almost transparent. To this aim, we present the first example of a photochemical modification of hydrogen-terminated glass (H-glass) with terminal alkenes. Both flat glass surfaces and the inside of glass microchannels were modified with a well-defined, covalently attached organic monolayer using a range of wavelengths, including sub-band-gap 302 nm ultraviolet light. A detailed characterization thereof was conducted by measurements of the static water contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and scanning Auger microscopy (SAM). Germanium attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (GATR-FTIR) indicates that the mechanism of the surface modification proceeds via an anti-Markovnikov substitution. Reacting H-glass with 10-trifluoro-acetamide-1-decene (TFAAD) followed by basic hydrolysis affords the corresponding primary amine-terminated monolayer, enabling additional functionalization of the substrate. Furthermore, we show the successful formation of a photopatterned amine layer by the specific attachment of fluorescent nanoparticles in very discrete regions. Finally, a microchannel was photochemically patterned with a functional linker allowing for surface-directed liquid flow. These results demonstrate that H-glass can be modified with a functional tailor-made organic monolayer, has highly tunable wetting properties, and displays significant potential for further applications.

Label-free microfluidic free-flow isoelectric focusing, pH gradient sensing and near real-time isoelectric point determination of biomolecules and blood plasma fractions

Continuous biomolecular separation and pH gradient observation using UV and NIR fluorescence.

Monolayer detection of ion binding at a crown ether-functionalised supramolecular surface via an integrated optical Bragg grating

The formation, detection and validation of a self-assembled monolayer by an integrated optical Bragg grating is reported, allowing investigation into the surface-localised change in refractive index upon ion binding at a supramolecular monolayer.

Measuring Particle Positions in Micro Channel with Multifiber Array

This paper proposes position measurement of particles in micro channels fabricated on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip using a two-layer plastic optical fiber (POF) array. Particle positions are measured by irradiating the POF array with laser light and measuring the decrease in POF output power posed by the presence of the particle. Our proposed sensor provides three dimensional measurements in the micro channel along the directions of the length, depth and the width. We demonstrate that plural particles of different diameters can be measured with our proposed sensor in which two layers of POF are vertically aligned or shifted along the flow direction. The effects of optical misalignment of POF array with respect to the measurement are theoretically and experimentally evaluated.

Characterization of rhodamine self-assembled films using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Growth process information and molecular structure identification are very important for characterization of self-assembled films. Here, we explore the possible application of desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) that provides the assembled information of rhodamine B (Rh B) and rhodamine 123 (Rh 123) films. With the help of lab-made DESI source, two characteristic ions [Rh B](+) and [Rh 123](+) are observed directly in the open environment. To evaluate the reliability of this technique, a comparative study of ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and our method is carried out, and the result shows good correlation. According to the signal intensity of characteristic ions, the layer-by-layer adsorption process of dyes can be monitored, and the thicknesses of multilayer films can also be comparatively determined. Combining the high sensitivity, selectivity, and speed of mass spectrometry, the selective adsorption of similar structure molecules under different pH is recognized easily from extracted ion chronograms. The variation trend of dyes signalling intensity with concentration of polyelectrolyte is studied as well, which reflects the effect of surface charge on dyes deposition. Additionally, the desorption area, surface morphology, and thicknesses of multilayer films are investigated using fluorescence microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Because the desorption area was approximately as small as 2 mm(2), the distribution situation of organic dyes in an arbitrary position could be gained rapidly, which means DESI-MS has advantages on in situ analysis.

Dynamic pH mapping in microfluidic devices by integrating adaptive coatings based on polyaniline with colorimetric imaging techniques

In this paper we present a microfluidic device that has integrated pH optical sensing capabilities based on polyaniline. The optical properties of polyaniline coatings change in response to the pH of the solution that is flushed inside the microchannel offering the possibility of monitoring pH in continuous flow over a wide pH range throughout the entire channel length. This work also features an innovative detection system for spatial localisation of chemical pH gradients along microfluidic channels through the use of a low cost optical device. Specifically, the use of a microfluidic channel coated with polyaniline is shown to respond colorimetrically to pH and that effect is detected by the detection system, even when pH gradients are induced within the channel. This study explores the capability of detecting this gradient by means of imaging techniques and the mapping of the camera's response to its corresponding pH after a successful calibration process. The provision of an inherently responsive channel means that changes in the pH of a sample moving through the system can be detected dynamically using digital imaging along the entire channel length in real time, without the need to add reagents to the sample. This approach is generic and can be applied to other chemically responsive coatings immobilised on microchannels.

Rate determination of azide click reactions onto alkyne polymer brush scaffolds: a comparison of conventional and catalyst-free cycloadditions for tunable surface modification

The postpolymerization functionalization of poly(N-hydroxysuccinimide 4-vinylbenzoate) brushes with reactive alkynes that differ in relative rates of activity of alkyne-azide cycloaddition reactions is described. The alkyne-derived polymer brushes undergo "click"-type cycloadditions with azido-containing compounds by two mechanisms: a strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) with dibenzocyclooctyne (DIBO) and azadibenzocyclooctyne (ADIBO) or a copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) to a propargyl group (PPG). Using a pseudo-first-order limited rate equation, rate constants for DIBO, ADIBO, and PPG-derivatized polymer brushes functionalized with an azide-functionalized dye were calculated as 7.7 × 10(-4), 4.4 × 10(-3), and 2.0 × 10(-2) s(-1), respectively. The SPAAC click reactions of the surface bound layers were determined to be slower than the equivalent reactions in solution, but the relative ratio of the reaction rates for the DIBO and ADIBO SPAAC reactions was consistent between solution and the polymer layer. The rate of functionalization was not influenced by the diffusion of azide into the polymer scaffold as long as the concentration of azide in solution was sufficiently high. The PPG functionalization by CuAAC had an extremely fast rate, which was comparable to other surface click reaction rates. Preliminary studies of dilute solution azide functionalization indicate that the diffusion-limited regime of brush functionalization impacts a 50 nm polymer brush layer and decreases the pseudo-first-order rate by a constant diffusion-limited factor of 0.233.

A supramolecular sensing platform for phosphate anions and an anthrax biomarker in a microfluidic device

A supramolecular platform based on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) has been implemented in a microfluidic device. The system has been applied for the sensing of two different analyte types: biologically relevant phosphate anions and aromatic carboxylic acids, which are important for anthrax detection. A Eu(III)-EDTA complex was bound to β-cyclodextrin monolayers via orthogonal supramolecular host-guest interactions. The self-assembly of the Eu(III)-EDTA conjugate and naphthalene β-diketone as an antenna resulted in the formation of a highly luminescent lanthanide complex on the microchannel surface. Detection of different phosphate anions and aromatic carboxylic acids was demonstrated by monitoring the decrease in red emission following displacement of the antenna by the analyte. Among these analytes, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and pyrophosphate, as well as dipicolinic acid (DPA) which is a biomarker for anthrax, showed a strong response. Parallel fabrication of five sensing SAMs in a single multichannel chip was performed, as a first demonstration of phosphate and carboxylic acid screening in a multiplexed format that allows a general detection platform for both analyte systems in a single test run with μM and nM detection sensitivity for ATP and DPA, respectively.

Ionic liquid-based compound droplet microfluidics for 'on-drop' separations and sensing

We present a new and general scheme for analytical applications of droplet-based microfluidics in which flowing droplets function not only as isolated reaction flasks, but are also capable of on-drop separation and sensing. To demonstrate this, we choose ionic liquids as designer fluids whose chemical and physical properties can be tailored in task-specific fashion. We create aqueous-ionic liquid compound droplets with tunable structures using an imidazolium-based ionic liquid, and present two analytical applications-separation of a binary aqueous mixture of organic dyes and dynamic pH sensing-to highlight the salient features of this scheme. By combining designer fluids with designer microfluidic emulsions, our work opens up a rich space of exploration for analytical microfluidics.

Structuration of pH-responsive fluorescent molecules on surfaces by soft lithographic techniques

Two different soft lithographic techniques (LCW and microCP) have been successfully used for the structuration of fluorescent pH-responsive molecules on surface. The molecules of choice, fluorescein (1) and a new catechol derivative (2), exhibit several protonation states with distinct emission properties over a large acid-base range. This allowed us to fabricate fluorescent arrays that respond over a large pH-window.

Nanoscale patterning of organic monolayers by catalytic stamp lithography: scope and limitations

Developing a method to pattern organic molecules, particularly on the sub-100-nm scale, is of wide interest in current nanoscience for a broad range of technological applications. Because of the efficiency and simplicity of soft lithography, here we describe in detail the process for synthesizing and applying catalytic stamp lithography, a process that can easily produce sub-100-nm patterns on surfaces; in this work, the approach is demonstrated on silicon. Catalytic stamps were fabricated through a two-step procedure in which the nanoscale pattern of catalysts is produced via a self-assembled block-copolymer-templated synthesis of metallic nanostructures on SiO(x)/Si supports, followed by the production of the poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamp on top of the as-patterned metals. Simply peeling off the as-formed PDMS stamp removes the metallic nanostructures, leading to the functional stamp. Two different patterns, pseudohexagonal and linear Pt nanoarrays, were produced from a single block copolymer, PS(125000)-b-P2VP(58500), by controlling the morphology of thin-film templates through tetrahydrofuran vapor annealing. When terminal alkenes, alkynes, or aldehydes with different functionalities were used as molecular inks, these Pt nanopatterns on catalytic stamps were translated into corresponding molecular arrays on Si(111)-H and Si(100)-H(x) surfaces because catalytic hydrosilylation took place exclusively underneath patterned Pt nanostructures. With this straightforward approach, the resolution limit of conventional microcontact printing (approximately 100 nm) could be downsized to a sub-20-nm scale, while maintaining the advantages of stamp-based patterning (i.e., large-area, high-throughput capabilities and low cost).

Surface-structured molecular sensor for the optical detection of acidity

In this letter, we report on the development of a surface molecular sensor for the detection of acidity. Lithographically controlled wetting deposition has been applied to form the nanostructure of a new fluorescent compound with three protonation states featuring different optical properties on a glass substrate. Atomic force microscopy demonstrates the functionalization of the surface with ordered arrays of the sensor molecules. The fluorescence properties of the resulting nanopattern at different pH values have been investigated by confocal fluorescene microsopy, thus revealing the fast, sensitive, reversible response of the prepared nanosensor to gas flows of varying acidity.

Fluorescent sensor array in a microfluidic chip

Miniaturization and automation are highly important issues for the development of high-throughput processes. The area of micro total analysis systems (muTAS) is growing rapidly and the design of new schemes which are suitable for miniaturized analytical devices is of great importance. In this paper we report the immobilization of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with metal ion sensing properties, on the walls of glass microchannels. The parallel combinatorial synthesis of sensing SAMs in individually addressable microchannels towards the generation of optical sensor arrays and sensing chips has been developed. [figure: see text] The advantages of microfluidic devices, surface chemistry, parallel synthesis, and combinatorial approaches have been merged to integrate a fluorescent chemical sensor array in a microfluidic chip. Specifically, five different fluorescent self-assembled monolayers have been created on the internal walls of glass microchannels confined in a microfluidic chip.

Rhodamine-Based Fluorescent Thermometer Exhibiting Selective Emission Enhancement at a Specific Temperature Range

A simple copolymer, poly(NIPAM-co-RD), consisting of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and rhodamine (RD) units, behaves as a fluorescent thermometer exhibiting selective emission enhancement at a specific temperature range in water.

Applications of microfluidics for neuronal studies

Microfabrication processes have changed the technology used in consumer goods, and have now advanced into applications in biology. Microfluidic platforms are microfabricated tools that are gaining popularity for studies of molecular and cellular biology. These platforms can allow precise control of the environment surrounding individual cells and they have been used to study physiologic and pharmacologic responses at the single-cell level. This article reviews microfluidic technology with emphasis on advances that could apply to the study of the nervous system, including architecture for isolation of axons, integrated electrophysiology, patterned physical and chemical substrate cues, and devices for the precisely controlled delivery of possible therapeutic agents such as trophic factors and drugs. The potential of these chips for the study of neurological diseases is also discussed.

Design of fluorescent materials for chemical sensing

There is an enormous demand for chemical sensors for many areas and disciplines. High sensitivity and ease of operation are two main issues for sensor development. Fluorescence techniques can easily fulfill these requirements and therefore fluorescent-based sensors appear as one of the most promising candidates for chemical sensing. However, the development of sensors is not trivial; material science, molecular recognition and device implementation are some of the aspects that play a role in the design of sensors. The development of fluorescent sensing materials is increasingly captivating the attention of the scientists because its implementation as a truly sensory system is straightforward. This critical review shows the use of polymers, sol-gels, mesoporous materials, surfactant aggregates, quantum dots, and glass or gold surfaces, combined with different chemical approaches for the development of fluorescent sensing materials. Representative examples have been selected and they are commented here.

Microscale patterning of organic films on carbon surfaces using electrochemistry and soft lithography

We have demonstrated three simple strategies employing poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) molds for patterning carbon surfaces with two different modifiers in an 18 microm line pattern. The PDMS molds are patterned with microfluidic channels (approximately 22 microm wide and 49 microm deep) and form a reversible, conformal seal to the pyrolyzed photoresist film (PPF) and modified PPF surfaces. Modifiers are electrochemically grafted to the PPF surface by the reduction of aryl diazonium salts and the oxidation of primary amines. For the fill-in patterning approach, the first modifier is electrografted to the PPF surface exposed within the microchannels, and in a second grafting step after removal of the PDMS mold, the second modifier fills in the remaining surface. The selective conversion strategy involves electrografting a continuous film of the modifier to the PPF surface, sealing the PDMS mold to the modified surface and carrying out an irreversible electrochemical reaction of the modifier exposed within the microchannels. In the build-up patterning approach, the PDMS mold is sealed to the modified PPF surface, and a chemical coupling reaction is effected in the microchannels to build up the pattern. The patterns are characterized using SEM, optical microscopy, the formation of condensation figures, and SEM imaging after the assembly of Au nanoparticles.