Optimization of smartphone-based on-site-capable uranium analysis in water using a 3D printed microdevice

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Portable analytical devices are crucial for real-time environmental monitoring.
• Microfluidic technology offers miniaturization and efficiency for chemical analysis.
• Smartphone integration enables accessible and data-rich field measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, smartphone-based three-dimensional printed (3DP) microfluidic device for uranium detection.
• To utilize an image-based colorimetric method for quantifying uranium in water samples.
• To demonstrate the device's utility for rapid, low-cost field analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3DP microfluidic device with integrated porous membrane using a transparent photopolymer.
• Development of an image-based colorimetric assay for uranium using Arsenazo III.
• Optimization of experimental conditions using Box-Behnken design (BBD).
• Analysis of uranium concentration via smartphone image capture and color intensity measurement.

Main Results:

• The 3DP microfluidic device was fabricated rapidly and cost-effectively (220 devices in 1.5 hours, $2.5 per device).
• A linear calibration curve for uranium was established in the range of 0.5-100 μg mL⁻¹ (R² > 0.9925).
• The total experimental time for uranium analysis was approximately 8 minutes.
• Successful determination of uranium in spiked natural water samples was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed smartphone-based 3DP microfluidic device provides a promising platform for portable and real-time uranium detection in environmental water samples.
• This technology offers a cost-effective, rapid, and accessible solution for field analysis of water pollutants.
• The integration of 3D printing and smartphone technology opens new avenues for decentralized environmental monitoring.