A label-free microfluidic biosensor for activity detection of single microalgae cells based on chlorophyll...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Living microalgae cell detection is vital for ballast water management and analysis.
• Chlorophyll fluorescence serves as a reliable indicator of photosynthetic activity and cell viability in microalgae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel microfluidic biosensor system for rapid and accurate detection of single microalgae cell viability.
• To assess the potential of chlorophyll fluorescence for distinguishing between living and dead microalgae cells.

Main Methods:

• A microfluidic biosensor system was designed, incorporating a laser diode, photodiode detector, signal analysis circuit, and a microfluidic chip.
• The system utilizes chlorophyll fluorescence to detect and differentiate microalgae cell viability.
• Six different microalgae species were tested, including both living and dead samples.

Main Results:

• The developed biosensor successfully distinguished between living and dead microalgae cells.
• The system demonstrated the capability to detect microalgae cells as small as 3 μm.
• Detection sensitivity for smaller cells can be enhanced by increasing excitation light power.

Conclusions:

• The novel microfluidic biosensor system offers a promising solution for in situ analysis of microalgae viability.
• This technology has significant potential for improving ballast water treatment and monitoring processes.