MULTI-OUTPUT MICROFLUID SYSTEM FOR RAPID ALKALOID QUANTIFICATION USING DIGITAL IMAGE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-output microfluidic system for the rapid quantification of alkaloids by colorimetric reaction and digital image analysis. The microfluidic system comprises an elastic material layer containing a microchannel system, a central inlet, multiple microchannel branches guiding samples to the output zones, zones for placing reagent-impregnated paper capable of generating color signals upon contact with alkaloids, at least one intrinsic color standard zone, two transparent rigid plates arranged on either side of the elastic material layer, and a mechanical tightening mechanism to seal the microchannel system without the need for surface bonding treatment by plasma or heating. When a liquid sample containing alkaloids is introduced into the inlet, the sample is distributed to the reaction zones on the reagent-impregnated paper to generate color signals. The color signals of the reaction zone and the color standard zone of the device are simultaneously recorded by a digital imager, then normalized against the color standard zone and compared with a calibration curve to determine the alkaloid concentration.The invention also relates to a mold for fabricating a microchannel-containing material layer and a method for rapid alkaloid quantification using the aforementioned microfluidic system. The solution under the invention allows for rapid in-situ analysis with a simple apparatus structure, low cost, small sample volume, customizable output number, and reduced reliance on specialized optical equipment.