Chemiluminescence detection for microfluidic cloth-based analytical devices (μCADs)

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biosensors
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microfluidic cloth-based analytical devices (μCADs) offer a low-cost, portable platform for chemical analysis.
• Chemiluminescence (CL) detection provides high sensitivity for various analytes.
• Integrating CL with μCADs presents an opportunity for enhanced analytical capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the first chemiluminescence detection integrated into microfluidic cloth-based analytical devices (μCADs).
• To optimize μCAD design and reaction conditions for efficient CL detection.
• To validate the developed μCADs for practical applications, such as detecting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in food samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of μCADs using wax screen-printing for defining cloth channels and chambers.
• Optimization of channel dimensions (10mm length, 3mm width) for efficient sample wicking and reaction.
• Enzyme-catalyzed CL reactions imaged using a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera.
• Systematic study of parameters influencing CL intensity, including exposure time, pH, and reagent concentrations.

Main Results:

• Optimized μCADs achieved detection in approximately 15 seconds using 25-μL samples.
• A linear correlation between CL intensity and H2O2 concentration (0.5-5mM) was established, with a detection limit of 0.46 mM.
• Successful detection of H2O2 residues in meat samples, including direct analysis of meat supernatant without prior treatment.

Conclusions:

• The integration of CL detection with μCADs represents a novel platform for rapid and cost-effective analytical assays.
• This technology holds significant potential for applications in food safety testing and environmental monitoring.
• The developed μCADs offer a user-friendly and efficient method for detecting specific chemical residues.