Microfluidic Oxygen Sensors
EMSL Project ID
48769
Abstract
The aim of this research is to create oxygen sensing fluorescent surfaces in plastic, and microfluidic structures, that are useful in the investigation of oxygen-dependent biological processes. The devices will be able to generate oxygen concentration gradients in addition to providing spatially structured microenvironments. We will create novel designs for oxygen imaging microfluidic structures, and new ways to create oxygen-sensitive surfaces in polystyrene plastic by a new solvent-immersion plastic impregnation method. In the latter case, we will also perform experiments to assess whether the impregnation process is consistent with a Case II sorption process for solvent penetration. there is a need to establish a firm scientific basis for this new method to create oxygen sensors as an impregnated layer in the surface of a plastic. This scientific basis is necessary to prove that, 1) not only does the method work empirically to produce oxygen sensors, but 2) the impregnation occurs by a reliable mechanism according to established principles, and thus can be technologically reliable, and 3) the sensors perform well according to the usual sensor criteria of sensitivity and reliability.
Project Details
Start Date
2015-02-10
End Date
2015-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator