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Optical micro/nanofibre embedded soft film enables multifunctional flow sensing in microfluidic chips
Zhang Zhang1, Jing Pan, Yao Tang
1State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China. zhang_lei@zju.edu.cn.
Lab on a Chip
|June 24, 2020
Summary
A novel smart microfluidic chip (SMC) uses optical micro/nanofibers (MNFs) for sensing. This technology enables sensitive flow rate detection, droplet monitoring, and magnetic droplet counting, advancing microfluidic applications.
Area of Science:
- Optofluidics
- Microfluidics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Microfluidic chips are essential for chemical synthesis and biomedical research.
- Existing microfluidic systems lack integrated, multi-functional sensing capabilities.
- Optical micro/nanofibers (MNFs) offer unique properties for sensing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a smart microfluidic chip (SMC) with integrated sensing functionalities.
- To demonstrate the capability of MNF-embedded films for real-time monitoring of microfluidic processes.
- To enhance the performance and applicability of microfluidic devices through advanced sensing.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a flexible, attachable film embedded with optical micro/nanofibers (MNFs).
- Integration of the MNF-embedded film onto standard lithography-based microfluidic chips.
- Utilizing the transition from guided to radiation modes of MNFs for sensing.
- Experimental validation of flow rate detection, droplet monitoring, and magnetic droplet counting.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous, high-sensitivity flow rate detection in multiple microfluidic channels.
- Fast and accurate monitoring of microfluidic droplet transportation and morphology.
- Real-time counting of magnetic droplets, demonstrating anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities.
- Successful integration of sensing capabilities onto a flexible, attachable film.
Conclusions:
- The developed smart microfluidic chip (SMC) offers versatile, integrated sensing capabilities.
- The MNF-enabled SMC demonstrates significant potential for applications in microreactors and droplet microfluidics.
- This technology represents a unique advancement in optofluidic sensors and microfluidic device monitoring.
