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Absorption spectroscopy in microfluidic flow cells using a metal clad leaky waveguide device with a porous gel
Ruchi Gupta1, Behnam Bastani, N J Goddard
1School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
The Analyst
|November 16, 2012
Summary
This study demonstrates a novel metal clad leaky waveguide (MCLW) device for broadband absorption spectroscopy. The MCLW successfully detected methylene blue in a microfluidic flow cell, offering a simpler and more robust alternative for species identification.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Broadband absorption spectroscopy provides comprehensive spectral profiles for analyte identification.
- Metal clad leaky waveguide (MCLW) devices offer potential for sensitive optical detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using an MCLW device for obtaining absorption spectra.
- To detect methylene blue using white light in a microfluidic flow cell with an MCLW device.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an MCLW device with a porous agarose gel on a titanium-coated glass slide.
- Utilizing a white light source and microfluidic flow cell for spectral analysis.
- Detection of methylene blue at 650 nm.
Main Results:
- The MCLW device successfully detected 2.3 μM of methylene blue.
- Achieved a minimum detectable absorbance of 1.6 × 10⁻¹ cm⁻¹.
- Demonstrated device robustness, ease of fabrication, and microfluidic integration.
Conclusions:
- MCLW devices are feasible for broadband absorption spectroscopy of analytes.
- The developed MCLW offers advantages in simplicity, robustness, and storage stability compared to existing methods.
- The device shows promise for integration into microfluidic systems for chemical sensing.
