Work

Robust and economical multi-sample, multi-wavelength UV/vis absorption and fluorescence detector for biological and chemical contamination

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: We present a portable multi-channel, multi-sample UV/vis absorption and fluorescence detection device, which has no moving parts, can operate wirelessly and on batteries, interfaces with smart mobile phones or tablets, and has the sensitivity of commercial instruments costing an order of magnitude more. We use UV absorption to measure the concentration of ethylene glycol in water solutions at all levels above those deemed unsafe by the United States Food and Drug Administration; in addition we use fluorescence to measure the concentration of d-glucose. Both wavelengths can be used concurrently to increase measurement robustness and increase detection sensitivity. Our small robust economical device can be deployed in the absence of laboratory infrastructure, and therefore may find applications immediately following natural disasters, and in more general deployment for much broader-based testing of food, agricultural and household products to prevent outbreaks of poisoning and disease.

Source: AIP Advances

DOI: 10.1063/1.4738962

Authors: Peter J. Lu, Melanie M. Hoehl, James B. Macarthur, Peter A. Sims, Hongshen Ma, Alexander H. Slocum

Institutions: Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, University of British Columbia

Language: English

Topic: Biosensors and Analytical Detection

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $756

Funders: Nvidia, Consortia for Improving Medicine with Innovation and Technology