Lab-on-fiber electrophoretic trace mixture separating and detecting an optofluidic device based on a microstructured...

Area of Science:

• Optofluidics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Optical Fiber Sensing

Background:

• Traditional methods for analyzing trace mixtures are often time-consuming and complex.
• Integrated optofluidic devices offer potential for miniaturized and efficient sample analysis.
• Optical fiber sensors provide a platform for remote and in-situ detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate an in-fiber integrated system for simultaneous separation and detection of trace mixtures.
• To utilize electro-osmotic flow within a microstructured optical fiber for analyte separation.
• To enable visual monitoring and remote detection of separated analytes.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a specially designed optical fiber sensor.
• Implementation of electrophoretic separation using electro-osmotic flow.
• In-situ detection of fluorescent analytes via laser scanning along the fiber.
• Utilizing the optical fiber's core and cladding structure for signal guidance and crosstalk prevention.

Main Results:

• Complete separation of a 0.15 μL trace mixture within 3.5 minutes at 5 kV.
• Simultaneous detection and spatial mapping of separated fluorescent analytes along the optical fiber.
• Efficient coupling of analyte emission into the optical fiber core for remote detection.
• Demonstrated prevention of fluorescent crosstalk between analytes due to fiber design.

Conclusions:

• The developed optofluidic optical fiber sensor successfully integrates electrophoretic separation and optical detection in-fiber.
• This novel device offers rapid, sensitive, and simultaneous analysis of trace mixtures.
• The technology holds significant promise for applications in biology, chemistry, and environmental analysis.