1
|
MacHugh E, Antony G, Mallik AK, Kaworek A, McCormack D, Duffy B, Oubaha M. Development and Characterisation of a Whole Hybrid Sol-Gel Optofluidic Platform for Biosensing Applications. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:4192. [PMID: 36500816 PMCID: PMC9740286 DOI: 10.3390/nano12234192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This work outlines, for the first time, the fabrication of a whole hybrid sol-gel optofluidic platform by integrating a microfluidic biosensor platform with optical waveguides employing a standard photolithography process. To demonstrate the suitability of this new hybrid sol-gel optofluidic platform, optical and bio-sensing proof-of-concepts are proposed. A photoreactive hybrid sol-gel material composed of a photopolymerisable organically modified silicon alkoxide and a transition metal complex was prepared and used as the fabrication material for the entire optofluidic platform, including the optical waveguides, the sensing areas, and the microfluidic device. The most suitable sol-gel materials chosen for the fabrication of the cladding and core of the waveguides showed a RIC of 3.5 × 10-3 and gave thicknesses between 5.5 and 7 μm. The material was optimised to simultaneously meet the photoreactive properties required for the photolithography fabrication process and the optical properties needed for the effective optical operability of the microstructured waveguides at 532 and 633 nm with an integrated microfluidic device. The optical proof-of-concept was performed using a fluorescent dye (Atto 633) and recording its optical responses while irradiated with a suitable optical excitation. The biosensing capability of the platform was assessed using a polyclonal primary IgG mouse antibody and a fluorescent labelled secondary IgG anti-mouse antibody. A limit of detection (LOD) of 50 ug/mL was achieved. A correlation between the concentration of the dye and the emission fluorescence was evidenced, thus clearly demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed hybrid sol-gel optofluidic platform concept. The successful integration and operability of optical and microfluidic components in the same optofluidic platform is a novel concept, particularly where the sol-gel fabrication material is concerned.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma MacHugh
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Technological University Dublin, City Campus Grangegorman, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), FOCAS Institute, Technological University Dublin, 13 Camden Row, D02 HW71 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Graceson Antony
- School of Physics and Clinical and Optometric Sciences, Technological University Dublin, City Campus Grangegorman, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Industrial and Engineering Optics (IEO), FOCAS Institute, Technological University Dublin, Camden Row, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arun Kumar Mallik
- Photonics Research Centre, Technological University Dublin, City Campus Grangegorman, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alicja Kaworek
- Centre for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), FOCAS Institute, Technological University Dublin, 13 Camden Row, D02 HW71 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Declan McCormack
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Technological University Dublin, City Campus Grangegorman, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), FOCAS Institute, Technological University Dublin, 13 Camden Row, D02 HW71 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brendan Duffy
- Centre for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), FOCAS Institute, Technological University Dublin, 13 Camden Row, D02 HW71 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mohamed Oubaha
- Centre for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), FOCAS Institute, Technological University Dublin, 13 Camden Row, D02 HW71 Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Erfan M, Gnambodoe-Capochichi M, Sabry YM, Khalil D, Leprince-Wang Y, Bourouina T. Spatiotemporal dynamics of nanowire growth in a microfluidic reactor. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2021; 7:77. [PMID: 34712489 PMCID: PMC8505653 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00308-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Co-integration of nanomaterials into microdevices poses several technological challenges and presents numerous scientific opportunities that have been addressed in this paper by integrating zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO-NWs) into a microfluidic chamber. In addition to the applications of these combined materials, this work focuses on the study of the growth dynamics and uniformity of nanomaterials in a tiny microfluidic reactor environment. A unique experimental platform was built through the integration of a noninvasive optical characterization technique with the microfluidic reactor. This platform allowed the unprecedented demonstration of time-resolved and spatially resolved monitoring of the in situ growth of NWs, in which the chemicals were continuously fed into the microfluidic reactor. The platform was also used to assess the uniformity of NWs grown quickly in a 10-mm-wide microchamber, which was intentionally chosen to be 20 times wider than those used in previous attempts because it can accommodate applications requiring a large surface of interaction while still taking advantage of submillimeter height. Further observations included the effects of varying the flow rate on the NW diameter and length in addition to a synergetic effect of continuous renewal of the growth solution and the confined environment of the chemical reaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mazen Erfan
- ESYCOM, CNRS UMR 9007, Université Gustave Eiffel, ESIEE Paris, Noisy-le-Grand, France
| | | | - Yasser M. Sabry
- Ain Shams University, Faculty of Engineering, ECE Department, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Diaa Khalil
- Ain Shams University, Faculty of Engineering, ECE Department, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yamin Leprince-Wang
- ESYCOM, CNRS UMR 9007, Université Gustave Eiffel, ESIEE Paris, Noisy-le-Grand, France
| | - Tarik Bourouina
- ESYCOM, CNRS UMR 9007, Université Gustave Eiffel, ESIEE Paris, Noisy-le-Grand, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
A Phosphorescence Quenching-Based Intelligent Dissolved Oxygen Sensor on an Optofluidic Platform. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12030281. [PMID: 33800237 PMCID: PMC7999388 DOI: 10.3390/mi12030281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Continuous measurement of dissolved oxygen (DO) is essential for water quality monitoring and biomedical applications. Here, a phosphorescence quenching-based intelligent dissolved oxygen sensor on an optofluidic platform for continuous measurement of dissolved oxygen is presented. A high sensitivity dissolved oxygen-sensing membrane was prepared by coating the phosphorescence indicator of platinum(II) meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (PtTFPP) on the surface of the microfluidic channels composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microstructure arrays. Then, oxygen could be determined by its quenching effect on the phosphorescence, according to Stern–Volmer model. The intelligent sensor abandons complicated optical or electrical design and uses a photomultiplier (PMT) counter in cooperation with a mobile phone application program to measure phosphorescence intensity, so as to realize continuous, intelligent and real-time dissolved oxygen analysis. Owing to the combination of the microfluidic-based highly sensitive oxygen sensing membrane with a reliable phosphorescent intensity detection module, the intelligent sensor achieves a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 mg/L, a high sensitivity of 16.9 and a short response time (22 s). Different natural water samples were successfully analyzed using the intelligent sensor, and results demonstrated that the sensor features a high accuracy. The sensor combines the oxygen sensing mechanism with optofluidics and electronics, providing a miniaturized and intelligent detection platform for practical oxygen analysis in different application fields.
Collapse
|
4
|
Sonawane JM, Ezugwu CI, Ghosh PC. Microbial Fuel Cell-Based Biological Oxygen Demand Sensors for Monitoring Wastewater: State-of-the-Art and Practical Applications. ACS Sens 2020; 5:2297-2316. [PMID: 32786393 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.0c01299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution has been a continuous threat to sustainable development and global well-being. It has become a significant concern worldwide to combat the ecological crisis using low-cost innovative technologies. Biological oxygen demand (BOD) is a key indicator to comprehend the quality of water to guarantee environmental safety and human health; however, none of the present technologies are capable of online monitoring of the water at the source. Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are a promising technology for simultaneous power generation and wastewater treatment. MFCs have also been shown in fascinating applications to measure and detect the toxic pollutants present in wastewater. These are the bioreactors where exoelectrogenic microorganisms catalyze the conversion of the inherent chemical energy stored in organic compounds to electrical energy. Sensors employ energy conversion to measure BOD, which is considered an international index for the detection of organic material load present in wastewater. The MFC-based BOD sensors have gone through a wide range of advancement from mediator to mediator-less, double chamber to single-chamber, and large size to miniature. There have been detailed studies to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of the sensors for commercial applications. Additionally, multistage MFC-based BOD biosensors and miniature MFC-BOD sensors have also been ubiquitous in recent years. A considerable amount of work has been carried out to improve the performance of these devices by fabricating the proton exchange membranes and altering catalysts at the cathode. However, there remains a dearth for the fabrication of the devices in aspects like suitable microbes, proton exchange membranes, and cheaper catalysts for cathodes for effective real-time monitoring of wastewater. In this review, an extensive study has been carried out on various MFC-based BOD sensors. The efficiency and drawbacks associated with the different MFC-based BOD sensors have been critically evaluated, and future perspectives for their development have been investigated. The breadth of work compiled in this review will accelerate further research in MFC-based BOD biosensors. It will be of great importance to broad ranges of scientific research and industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayesh M. Sonawane
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry and Centre for Global Engineering, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Chizoba I. Ezugwu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcala, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Prakash C. Ghosh
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India, 400 076
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Spagnolo M, Motta R, Memeo R, Pellegatta F, Crespi A, Osellame R. Resonant opto-mechanical modulators and switches by femtosecond laser micromachining. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:23133-23142. [PMID: 32752314 DOI: 10.1364/oe.396513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In this work we demonstrate novel integrated-optics modulators and switches, realized in a glass substrate by femtosecond laser pulses. These devices are based on oscillating microcantilevers, machined by water-assisted laser ablation. Single-mode optical waveguides are laser-inscribed inside the cantilever beam and continue in the substrate beyond the cantilever's tip. By exciting the resonant oscillation of the mechanical structure, coupling between the waveguide segments is varied in time. Operation frequencies are in the range of tens of kilohertz, thus they markedly overcome the response-time limitation of other glass-based modulators, which rely on the thermo-optic effect. These components may be integrated in more complex waveguide circuits or optofluidic lab-on-chips, to provide periodic and high-frequency modulation of the optical signals.
Collapse
|
6
|
Li C, Wang B, Wan H, He R, Li Q, Yang S, Dai W, Wang N. An Integrated Optofluidic Platform Enabling Total Phosphorus On-Chip Digestion and Online Real-Time Detection. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E59. [PMID: 31906410 PMCID: PMC7019908 DOI: 10.3390/mi11010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a total phosphorus online real-time monitoring system integrated with on-chip digestion based on the merits of optofluidic technology. The integrated optofluidic device contains a hollow optical fiber employed for pretreatment and digestion of phosphorus solution samples, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based micromixer with convergent-divergent walls designed to enable sufficient mixing and chromogenic reaction, and a couple of optical fiber collimators attached with a Z-shaped flow cell for optical detection. Details of system design and fabrication are introduced in this paper. In the experiment, on-chip digestion of four typical phosphates in aqueous solution including organophosphorus and inorganic phosphorus is investigated under different reaction conditions, such as digestion temperature, concentration of oxidant and pH value, and the optimal reaction parameters are explored under different conditions. Meanwhile, we demonstrate the online real-time monitoring function of the optofluidic device, and the digestion mechanisms of four different phosphates are analyzed and discussed. Compared with the national standard method, we find that the measurement accuracy and sensitivity are acceptable when the concentration of total phosphorus is between 0.005-0.9 mg/L (by weight of P) in aqueous solution, which covers the range defined in the national standard. The traditional digestion time of several hours is greatly reduced to less than 10 s, and the content of total phosphorus can be obtained in a few minutes. The integrated optofluidic device can significantly shorten the test time and reduce the sample amount, and also provides a versatile platform for the real-time detection and analysis of many biochemical samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Fiber Optic Sensing Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; (C.L.); (H.W.); (S.Y.); (W.D.)
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Wuhan Safety & Environmental Protection Research Institute, Sinosteel Group Co., Ltd, Wuhan 430081, China;
| | - Hao Wan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Fiber Optic Sensing Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; (C.L.); (H.W.); (S.Y.); (W.D.)
| | - Rongxiang He
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research & Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China;
| | - Qi Li
- Wuhan Space Sanjiang LITRI Co., Ltd, Wuhan 430075, China;
| | - Siyuan Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Fiber Optic Sensing Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; (C.L.); (H.W.); (S.Y.); (W.D.)
| | - Wencan Dai
- National Engineering Laboratory for Fiber Optic Sensing Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; (C.L.); (H.W.); (S.Y.); (W.D.)
| | - Ning Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Fiber Optic Sensing Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; (C.L.); (H.W.); (S.Y.); (W.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Optical biosensors are defined as portable optical devices that use biorecognition molecules to interrogate a sample for the presence of a target. The capabilities of optical biosensors have expanded rapidly with advances in miniature optical components and molecular engineering. Biosensors to meet the needs in health and environmental monitoring and food safety have become commercially available, with many more in the pipeline. We review the innovative approaches to overcoming existing hurdles to practical biosensor designs and explore potential areas for future breakthroughs in optical biosensor technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frances S Ligler
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University and the North Carolina State University Comparative Medicine Institute , Raleigh , North Carolina 27695-7115 , United States
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, The Australian Centre for NanoMedicine and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology , The University of New South Wales , Sydney 2052 , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen H, Zhao L, Yu F, Du Q. Detection of phosphorus species in water: technology and strategies. Analyst 2019; 144:7130-7148. [DOI: 10.1039/c9an01161g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This review highlights recent advances in methods of detection of total phosphorus in water, including photoelectric strategies, spectroscopy techniques, and modeling algorithms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Chen
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics
- College of Electronic Science and Engineering
- Jilin University
- Changchun 130012
- China
| | - Linlu Zhao
- Institute of Functional Materials and Molecular Imaging
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma
- Ministry of Education
- Key Laboratory of Hainan Trauma and Disaster Rescue
- College of Clinical Medicine
| | - Fabiao Yu
- Institute of Functional Materials and Molecular Imaging
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma
- Ministry of Education
- Key Laboratory of Hainan Trauma and Disaster Rescue
- College of Clinical Medicine
| | - Qiaoling Du
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics
- College of Electronic Science and Engineering
- Jilin University
- Changchun 130012
- China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang X. Editorial for the Special Issue on Advances in Optofluidics. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:E302. [PMID: 30424235 PMCID: PMC6187236 DOI: 10.3390/mi9060302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xuming Zhang
- Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China.
| |
Collapse
|