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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

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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.

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Acknowledgements

Sabah H. Al-Jaf also gratefully acknowledges the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan Regional Government as well as the University of Garmian for their permission and for accepting his study leave.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani City, 46002, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

    Sabah H. Al-Jaf & Khalid M. Omer

  2. Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Garmian, Darbandikhan Road, Kalar City, Sulaimaniyah Province, 46021, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

    Sabah H. Al-Jaf

  3. Center of Biomedical Analysis, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani City, 46002, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

    Khalid M. Omer

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  1. Sabah H. Al-Jaf
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Al-Jaf, S.H., Omer, K.M. 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. Microchim Acta 189, 482 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-022-05585-y

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