Microfluidic Sensors for Environmental Monitoring: From Lab to Field Applications

EasyChair Preprint 11553

Abstract

The advancement of microfluidic sensor technologies has spurred significant developments in environmental monitoring, offering enhanced capabilities in detecting and analyzing various pollutants and contaminants. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the evolution of microfluidic sensors from their initial laboratory-based applications to their current and potential field deployment for environmental monitoring purposes. Initially conceived as a tool for miniaturizing and automating laboratory assays, microfluidic sensors have rapidly evolved, leveraging the principles of fluid dynamics, surface chemistry, and sensor integration. Their inherent advantages, such as high sensitivity, rapid response times, reduced sample volumes, and portability, have enabled their adaptation for real-time, on-site environmental monitoring. This review covers the fundamental principles governing microfluidic sensor design and fabrication techniques, emphasizing the diverse range of materials and configurations employed to achieve specific sensing capabilities. Additionally, it highlights the sensor functionalities tailored for detecting environmental pollutants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, pathogens, and gases. These applications showcase the potential for widespread adoption and the impact of these sensors in revolutionizing environmental monitoring practices.

Keyphrases: Lab-on-a-chip, Microfluidic sensors, environmental monitoring

@booklet{EasyChair:11553,
  author    = {Smith Milson and Ayaz Mehmet},
  title     = {Microfluidic Sensors for Environmental Monitoring: From Lab to Field Applications},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 11553},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2023}}