Zhao Xinyan, Dong Tao
Department of Micro and Nano Systems Technology (IMST), Faculty of Technology and Maritime Sciences (TekMar), Vestfold University College (HiVE), Tønsberg N3103, Norway.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013 Dec 3;10(12):6748-63. doi: 10.3390/ijerph10126748.
A bioluminescent-cell-based microfluidic device for sensing toxicants in drinking water was designed and fabricated. The system employed Vibrio fischeri cells as broad-spectrum sensors to monitor potential systemic cell toxicants in water, such as heavy metal ions and phenol. Specifically, the chip was designed for continuous detection. The chip design included two counter-flow micromixers, a T-junction droplet generator and six spiral microchannels. The cell suspension and water sample were introduced into the micromixers and dispersed into droplets in the air flow. This guaranteed sufficient oxygen supply for the cell sensors. Copper (Cu2+), zinc (Zn2+), potassium dichromate and 3,5-dichlorophenol were selected as typical toxicants to validate the sensing system. Preliminary tests verified that the system was an effective screening tool for acute toxicants although it could not recognize or quantify specific toxicants. A distinct non-linear relationship was observed between the zinc ion concentration and the Relative Luminescence Units (RLU) obtained during testing. Thus, the concentration of simple toxic chemicals in water can be roughly estimated by this system. The proposed device shows great promise for an early warning system for water safety.
设计并制造了一种基于生物发光细胞的微流控装置，用于检测饮用水中的有毒物质。该系统采用费氏弧菌细胞作为广谱传感器，以监测水中潜在的全身性细胞毒物，如重金属离子和苯酚。具体而言，该芯片专为连续检测而设计。芯片设计包括两个逆流微混合器、一个T型结液滴发生器和六个螺旋微通道。细胞悬浮液和水样被引入微混合器，并在气流中分散成液滴。这保证了细胞传感器有足够的氧气供应。选择铜（Cu2+）、锌（Zn2+）、重铬酸钾和3,5-二氯苯酚作为典型毒物来验证传感系统。初步测试证实，该系统是一种有效的急性毒物筛选工具，尽管它无法识别或量化特定毒物。在测试过程中观察到锌离子浓度与获得的相对发光单位（RLU）之间存在明显的非线性关系。因此，该系统可以大致估算水中简单有毒化学物质的浓度。所提出的装置在水安全预警系统方面显示出巨大的潜力。
