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Nonlinear decrease of background fluorescence in polymer thin-films - a survey of materials and how they can
Kenneth R Hawkins1, Paul Yager
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. khawk@u.washington.edu
Lab on a Chip
|March 10, 2004
Summary
Common polymers used in microfluidic lab chips exhibit high initial fluorescence, which decreases over time. This fluorescence behavior complicates sensitive detection in micro-analytical systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Polymers and plastics are increasingly used in microfluidics and micro Total Analysis Systems (microTAS).
- Fluorescence detection is a common technique in micro-analytical systems.
- The fluorescence properties of polymers are critical for high-sensitivity detection in lab chips.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey commonly available polymer thin-films for their fluorescence behavior.
- To identify polymers suitable for high-sensitivity fluorescence detection in lab chips.
- To understand the impact of polymer fluorescence on analytical detection.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed fluorescence behavior of polymer thin-films under standardized conditions.
- Compared polymer fluorescence intensities to glass and fused silica controls.
- Monitored fluorescence intensity over a three-hour period.
Main Results:
- Some surveyed polymers showed significantly higher initial fluorescence than glass and fused silica.
- Polymer fluorescence intensities decreased over a three-hour period.
- The decrease in fluorescence exhibited complex kinetics.
Conclusions:
- The intrinsic fluorescence of polymers can be higher than traditional materials like glass.
- The time-dependent decrease in polymer fluorescence complicates sensitive analytical detection.
- Understanding these fluorescence properties is crucial for selecting appropriate materials for microfluidic devices.