A 3D printed centrifugal microfluidic platform for solid-phase-extraction and fluorescent detection of spilled oil in water

Abstract

Solid phase extraction (SPE) is widely used for pre-concentration of the target molecules in the liquid sample to realize a lower detection limit of the target molecules. Fluorescent detection often follows the SPE process to determine the existence and concentration of these molecules. However, conventional SPE process are complex and time consuming. We present a novel centrifugal microfluidic platform based on 3D printing technology in this paper. Specially designed mechanical pinch valves, which were controlled by the rotation frequency of the platform, were used to manipulate the flow of the reagent and fluid sample. The prototype of the proposed system was fabricated with in 3D printing technology. The platform was tested with 10ppm (part per million) standard oil-water mixing sample. Different stationary sorbent, such as C18, activated charcoal, and 3D printable porous polymer, were used and compared. The experimental results showed that the fluorescence intensity of the sample was significantly increased. This SPE platform is easy to operate and can be potentially used as a portable on-situ spilled oil enrichment and detection device. Other than crude oil, this platform can be also used for other pollutant in environment water.