Optomicrofluidic system for spectrophotometric analysis: automated process and wireless

Abstract

The field of microfluidics involves the use of microstructured devices featuring dimensions typically in the order of tens to hundreds of micrometers that allow the precise handling of low volumes of fluids within them. The original driving force behind miniaturization was the enhanced performance, which can be gained by downscaling analytical systems, and the possibility of integrating multiple components within a single device. Microfluidic devices generally have been manufacture with sophisticated and very expensive technology. Additive technology, also known as “3D Printing”, presents a simple, versatile and low-cost process for the development of functional structures. This paper presents the design and development of an optofluidic microdevice manufactured by additive technology. This system development of concentration gradients for the mixture of solutions and reagents involved in a spectrophotometric analytical process. The microdevice integrate an optical confinement system implemented as an analysis area, where by means of light beams generated by an RGB LED source and a multispectral detector, the measurement of analyte concentrations is carried out. Validation experiments are presented with colored samples based on C16H18CIN3S, as well as on C15H15N3O2. The results were validated with laboratory instruments. The miniaturization, simplification and automation of the analytical process by spectrophotometry, achieved a greater autonomy. It could be considered the realization of insitu and real-time analysis.