Enhancing of detection resolution via designing of a multi-functional 3D connector between sampling and detection zones in distance-based microfluidic paper-based analytical device: multi-channel design for multiplex analysis

Sabah H Al-Jaf; Khalid M Omer

doi:10.1007/s00604-022-05585-y

Enhancing of detection resolution via designing of a multi-functional 3D connector between sampling and detection zones in distance-based microfluidic paper-based analytical device: multi-channel design for multiplex analysis

Mikrochim Acta. 2022 Nov 30;189(12):482. doi: 10.1007/s00604-022-05585-y.

Authors

Sabah H Al-Jaf^{1

2}, Khalid M Omer^{3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani City, 46002, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
² Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Garmian, Darbandikhan Road, Kalar City, Sulaimaniyah Province, 46021, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
³ Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani City, 46002, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. khalid.omer@univsul.edu.iq.
⁴ Center of Biomedical Analysis, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani City, 46002, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. khalid.omer@univsul.edu.iq.

PMID: 36447014
DOI: 10.1007/s00604-022-05585-y

Abstract

One of the problems in the distance-based microfluidic paper-based analytical device (DB-µPAD) that limits the detection resolution is the mixing of reagents from the detection to the sampling zone or vice versa due to spreading by capillary action. In the present paper, to overcome mixing of the reagents in the zones, a multi-functional connector using a three-dimensional (3D) design has been developed externally to connect the two zones. Using such a novel design, it is acertained that there is no any mixing due to the dispersion of the reagents in the two zones. Interestingly, the simple 3D connector has other functions, such as its potential to be used as a masking zone and/or reaction zone whenever is needed. Based on this proposed 3D connector-based DB-µPAD, three parallel microchannels were built as detection zones with one sampling zone for multiplex analysis for the detection of Fe²⁺, Ni²⁺, and hardness of water. In the Ni²⁺ channel, the connector piece worked as both masking part and connection part. In the Fe²⁺ line, the connector served as the connector and reducing pad (Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ ions). While in the third channel, the connector has connection function only. Satisfactory limit of detection (LoD), accuracy, and precision were obtained using this design. The LODs obtained with the proposed design were 1.13, 0.62, and 1.87 mg.L^-1 for total hardness, Fe²⁺, and Ni²⁺, respectively.

Keywords: 3D multi-functional connector; Distance-based detection, Multiplex analysis; Microfluidic paper-based device (µPAD).

MeSH terms

Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
Limit of Detection
Microfluidics*
Water

Substances

Water