Microfluidic oxygen sensor based on silica gels for longterm experiments

摘要

Long-term measurements of dissolved oxygen in microfluidic systems are challenging because of the photo-oxidation of the required sensing film which consumes oxygen and because of the fluctuation of temperature that increases the uncertainty. We present a microfluidic chip made of glass and silicon with integrated phosphorescent elements composed from a matrix out of silica gel and an oxygen sensitive dye (PtTFPP). Our device has a 36 times lower oxygen consumption rate compared to conventional films, which uses an organic matrix. Furthermore, the influence of the temperature is eliminated by integrating a temperature sensor and heating elements on the chip.