Confined chemiluminescence detection of nanomolar levels of H2O2 in a paper–plastic disposable microfluidic device using a smartphone

Abstract

We report the design and characterization of a disposable light shielded paper–plastic microfluidic device that can detect nanomolar levels of H₂O₂ using a smartphone camera and a light sealed accessory. Chemiluminescence reaction of H₂O₂ with bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate in the presence of rubrene and imidazole is confined to a paper reaction site where the individual reagents are delivered via plastic microfluidic channels. The net photon emission from the chemiluminescence reactions, detected by using a smartphone, is correlated with H₂O₂ concentrations. With a total reagent volume of 25 μL, the sensor system was able to detect H₂O₂ concentrations as low as 250 nM. The smartphone based chemiluminescence sensing system has great potential as a point of care diagnostic tool for monitoring nanomolar levels of H₂O₂ in biological samples.