Spatially resolved in situ determination of reaction progress using microfluidic systems and FT-IR spectroscopy as a...

A concept for the determination of concentrations in microchannels using FT-IR spectroscopy in transmission is presented. The fundamental idea of spatially resolved measurements along several measuring points was implemented in a single-channel microreactor. Compared to existing microreactor setups for the analysis of fast chemical reactions or mixing processes, the presented concept enables longer residence times at appropriate resolution. Once steady-state conditions were reached in the reactor, mid-infrared spectra were collected at different locations. Information throughout the considered conversion range is available, which is of great importance to analyze inhibitory effects, next to the kinetic constants (vmax and KM). Therefore, this technology enables a rapid screening of (bio-)catalysts, substrate specificity and process conditions. In particular, the analysis of real substrates instead of model substrates and the possibility to follow side reactions and follow-up reactions during enzymatic catalysis open a broad field of application.