A monolithic continuous-flow microanalyzer with amperometric detection based on the green tape technology Articles uri icon

publication date

  • August 2009

start page

  • 7448

end page

  • 7453

issue

  • 17

volume

  • 81

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0003-2700

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1520-6882

abstract

  • The development of micro total analysis systems (muTAS) has become a growing research field. Devices that include not only the fluidics and the detection system but also the associated electronics are reported scarcely in the literature because of the complexity and the cost involved for their monolithic integration. Frequently, dedicated devices aimed at solving specific analytical problems are needed. In these cases, low-volume production processes are a better alternative to mass production technologies such as silicon and glass. In this work, the design, fabrication, and evaluation of a continuous-flow amperometric microanalyzer based on the green tape technology is presented. The device includes the microfluidics, a complete amperometric detection system, and the associated electronics. The operational lifetime of the working electrode constitutes a major weak point in electrochemical detection systems, especially when it is integrated in monolithic analytical devices. To increase the overall system reliability and its versatility, it was integrated following an exchangeable configuration. Using this approach, working electrodes can be readily exchanged, according to the analyte to be determined or when their surfaces become passivated or poisoned. Furthermore, the electronics of the system allow applying different voltamperometric techniques and provide four operational working ranges (125, 12.5, 1.25, and 0.375 muA) to do precise determinations at different levels of current intensity.

subjects

  • Chemistry
  • Materials science and engineering

keywords

  • ltcc; miniaturization; potentiostat; μtas; monolithic amperometric; microanalyzer; exchangeable electrode