| Title: | Monitoring spatial distribution of ethanol in microfluidic channels by using a thin layer of cholesteric liquid crystal |
| Address: | "Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore" |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1473-0189 (Electronic) 1473-0189 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Monitoring spatial distribution of chemicals in microfluidic devices by using traditional sensors is a challenging task. In this paper, we report utilization of a thin layer of cholesteric liquid crystal for monitoring ethanol inside microfluidic channels. This thin layer can be either a polymer dispersed cholesteric liquid crystal (PDCLC) layer or a free cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) layer separated from the microfluidic device by using a thin film of PDMS. They both show visible colorimetric responses to 4% of ethanol solution inside the microfluidic channels. Moreover, the spatial distribution of ethanol inside the microfluidic channel can be reflected as a color map on the CLC sensing layers. By using this device, we successfully detected ethanol produced from fermentation taking place inside the microfluidic channel. These microfluidic channels with embedded PDCLC or embedded CLC offer a new sensing solution for monitoring volatile organic compounds in microfluidic devices" |
| Keywords: | Colorimetry Dimethylpolysiloxanes/chemistry Ethanol/*analysis Fermentation Liquid Crystals/*chemistry Microfluidic Analytical Techniques/instrumentation/*methods; |
| Notes: | "MedlineSutarlie, Laura Yang, Kun-Lin eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2011/10/28 Lab Chip. 2011 Dec 7; 11(23):4093-8. doi: 10.1039/c1lc20460b. Epub 2011 Oct 27" |
