DEVELOPMENT OF CAPILLARY FLOW-DRIVEN MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES COUPLING SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION

Abstract

The search for portable devices that allow the development of environmentally safer analytical methods and real-time information collection to carry out "in loco" analyses is a current trend in analytical chemistry. Microfluidic systems are an attractive strategy to achieve these goals. In addition to allowing studies with low sample volumes, they enable the integration of analytical steps in the same platform, manufacturing sensors for direct analysis. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (¼PAD) have garnered significant interest due to their advantages, such as easy fabrication using established patterning methods, economical cost, ability to drive and manipulate flow without equipment, and capability of storing reagents for various applications. Other benefits include the automation and integration of several steps of the analytical procedure (sampling, transport of the sample, sample preparation steps, and detection) in a single platform. Researchers have proposed combining different paper types, designs (e.g., three-dimensional (3D)), and materials to integrate the sample preparation steps on the microfluidic paper device. Regarding the detection mode, electrochemical detection is the most prominent technique to couple in ¼PAD since it combines high sensitivity with simple and inexpensive instrumentation. The proposed project aims to develop new skills in microfluidics device fabrication coupled with sample preparation steps in a single platform for environmental and clinical applications. Prof. Henry´s Research Group has great experience developing microfluidic systems for several applications. The knowledge acquired from this project will strengthen the research ties between Brazil and the United States involving Analytical Chemistry.