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A Tunable 3D Printed Microfluidic Resistive Pulse Sensor for the Characterisation of Algae and Microplastics
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Researchers developed a low-cost 3D-printed microfluidic sensor that can detect and characterize particles including microplastics and algae by their size, shape, and porosity in water samples. The device offers a reusable, high-throughput alternative to expensive conventional microplastic analysis equipment.
Technologies that can detect and characterise particulates in liquids have applications in health, food and environmental monitoring. Here we present a low-cost and high-throughput multiuse counter that classifies a particle’s size, concentration, porosity and shape. Using an additive manufacturing process, we have assembled a reusable flow resistive pulse sensor. The device remains stable for several days with repeat measurements. We demonstrate its use for characterising algae with spherical and rod structures as well as microplastics shed from teabags. We present a methodology that results in a specific signal for microplastics, namely a conductive pulse, in contrast to particles with smooth surfaces such as calibration particles or algae, allowing the presence of microplastics to be easily confirmed and quantified. In addition, the shape of the signal and particle are correlated, giving an extra physical property to characterise suspended particulates. The technology can rapidly screen volumes of liquid, 1 mL/ min, for the presence of microplastics and algae.
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A Tunable 3D Printed Microfluidic Resistive Pulse Sensor for the Characterisation of Algae and Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a low-cost 3D-printed microfluidic sensor that can detect and characterize particles including microplastics and algae by their size, shape, and porosity in water samples. The device offers a reusable, high-throughput alternative to expensive conventional microplastic analysis equipment.
A Tunable Three-Dimensional Printed Microfluidic Resistive Pulse Sensor for the Characterization of Algae and Microplastics
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Engineers developed a 3D-printed tunable microfluidic resistive pulse sensor that can detect and characterize particles including microplastics and algae in liquids, offering a faster, more adaptable alternative to existing particle-counting technologies.
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