Microplastics identification and quantification requires accuracy and reliability with rapid testing and low cost. Raman spectroscopy (RS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography are accurate technologies for molecular interrogation of microplastics. However, these methods are resource- and time-demanding due to their need for delicate sample preparation, expensive equipment, and trained personnel.
Sample preparation includes purification, concentration and/or enrichment of microplastics using centrifugation and filtration. For small microplastics, these processes become labor-intensive and prone to contamination and error. Also, aligning small microplastics with the RS excitation light, is crucial to maximize the scattering effect for high-sensitivity detection, highlighted as a challenge by our partner, Ocean Diagnostics Inc. (ODI). These issues can be tackled by using flow focusing technique to ensure particles are centered in the imaging area.
To address this, in a collaborative Mitacs Accelerate Project, I developed a simple flow cell that acoustofluidically focused microplastic at the center of the channel, significantly enhancing their continuous and label-free detection using optical and spectroscopy approaches. For this project I co-wrote a successful $60k Mitacs Accelerate grant application in partnership with ODI and Dr. Pouya Rezai's research group at York University, and mentored one undergraduate student on acoustofluidics.
Sample preparation includes purification, concentration and/or enrichment of microplastics using centrifugation and filtration. For small microplastics, these processes become labor-intensive and prone to contamination and error. Also, aligning small microplastics with the RS excitation light, is crucial to maximize the scattering effect for high-sensitivity detection, highlighted as a challenge by our partner, Ocean Diagnostics Inc. (ODI). These issues can be tackled by using flow focusing technique to ensure particles are centered in the imaging area.
To address this, in a collaborative Mitacs Accelerate Project, I developed a simple flow cell that acoustofluidically focused microplastic at the center of the channel, significantly enhancing their continuous and label-free detection using optical and spectroscopy approaches. For this project I co-wrote a successful $60k Mitacs Accelerate grant application in partnership with ODI and Dr. Pouya Rezai's research group at York University, and mentored one undergraduate student on acoustofluidics.
For a standing wave established in the y-direction of the fluid channel, where f, λ and n represent, respectively, the resonant frequency, acoustic wavelength and the number of acoustic pressure nodes with subscript y denoting the direction.
