All Silica Micro-Fluidic Flow Injection Sensor System for Colorimetric Chemical Sensing
Vedran Budinski1, Denis Donlagic1
1Laboratory for Electro Optics and Sensor Systems, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Koroska Cesta 46, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 2, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a miniature, all-silica flow-injection sensor for on-line chemical sensing. Its compact design allows for precise measurements in small spaces with minimal reagent and analyte flow.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Optical Sensing
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Traditional chemical sensors often face limitations in space and flow rate.
- Miniaturization is crucial for advanced analytical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact, all-silica sensor for flow-injection analysis.
- To enable on-line or in-line colorimetric chemical sensing in constrained environments.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a miniature, all-silica microcell coupled with optical fiber.
- Integration of a microfluidic reagent injection system.
- Operation in back-reflection mode for spectral absorption measurements.
Main Results:
- The sensor achieves compact dimensions (≤200 µm diameter).
- Enables operation at very low flow rates of analyte and reagent.
- Facilitates on-line/in-line colorimetric chemical sensing.
Conclusions:
- The developed sensor offers a miniaturized solution for flow-injection analysis.
- Its design is suitable for applications requiring high spatial resolution and low sample volumes.
- This technology advances the field of micro-scale chemical sensing.
