Device and methods of detection of airborne agents

摘要

Provided are methods, devices and systems that utilize free-surface fluidics and SERS for analyte detection with high sensitivity and specificity. The molecules can be airborne agents, including but not limited to explosives, narcotics, hazardous chemicals, or other chemical species. The free-surface fluidic architecture is created using an open microchannel, and exhibits a large surface to volume ratio. The free-surface fluidic interface can filter interferent molecules, while concentrating airborne analyte molecules. The microchannel flow enables controlled aggregation of SERS-active probe particles in the flow, thereby enhancing the detector's sensitivity.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a microfluidic device comprising:
a non-flowing fluid;one or more free-surface interface regions that are open on at least one side to atmospheric air, wherein the non-flowing fluid is located on the one or more free-surface interface regions, and wherein at least a portion of the fluid is exposed to atmospheric air so that one or more analytes from a sample can come into contact with the surface of the fluid and be absorbed into the fluid; and means for detecting the presence of the one or more analytes absorbed in the fluid.