Continuous flow analytical microsystems based on low-temperature co-fired ceramic technology. Integrated potentiometric detection based on solvent polymeric ion-selective electrodes

Anal Chem. 2006 May 1;78(9):2985-92. doi: 10.1021/ac051994k.

Abstract

In this paper, the low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology, which has been commonly used for electronic applications, is presented as a useful alternative to construct continuous flow analytical microsystems. This technology enables not only the fabrication of complex three-dimensional structures rapidly and at a realistic cost but also the integration of the elements needed to carry out a whole analytical process, such as pretreatment steps, mixers, and detection systems. In this work, a simple and general procedure for the integration of ion-selective electrodes based on liquid ion exchanger is proposed and illustrated by using ammonium- and nitrate-selective membranes. Additionally, a screen-printed reference electrode was easily incorporated into the microfluidic LTCC structure allowing a complete on-chip integration of the potentiometric detection. Analytical features of the proposed systems are presented.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ceramics / chemistry*
  • Electrodes
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods*
  • Nitrates / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Potentiometry / methods
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Silver / chemistry
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Temperature*

Substances

  • Nitrates
  • Polymers
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • Solvents
  • Silver