Vortex configuration flow cell based on low-temperature cofired ceramics as a compact chemiluminescence microsystem

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Microfluidics
• Optical Sensing

Background:

• Scaling down microsystems for optical detection can reduce sensitivity.
• Absorbance-based methods are more affected by miniaturization than emission-based methods.
• Careful instrumental design is crucial for maintaining analytical performance in microscale systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a simple, miniaturized optical system for chemiluminescence (CL) measurements.
• To integrate a novel flow cell configuration for enhanced CL detection.
• To demonstrate the system's utility for analyzing trace metals in water samples.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a miniaturized optical system using low-temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) technology.
• Integration of a vortex-based micromixer to promote CL reactions through high turbulence.
• Development of a flow injection system for real-time CL detection using a photodiode.

Main Results:

• The novel flow cell design efficiently promotes CL reactions and minimizes signal loss.
• The system demonstrated a linear response for cobalt(II) detection between 2 and 20 microM (r > 0.993).
• Achieved a limit of detection of 1.1 microM, repeatability of 12.4% RSD, and analysis time of 17 seconds.

Conclusions:

• The proposed miniaturized optical system is suitable for sensitive CL measurements.
• The LTCC-based device offers a versatile and low-cost solution for analyzing compounds in CL reactions.
• This technology extends the application range of continuous flow microsystems for chemical analysis.