Development of a generic multi-analyte optical sensor platform for fluorescence-based sensing
McGaughey, Orla
(2006)
Development of a generic multi-analyte optical sensor platform for fluorescence-based sensing.
PhD thesis, Dublin City University.
This work describes the development of two advanced sensor platforms based on different spectroscopic techniques. The first, and the primary focus of this work, is an enhanced generic multi-analyte sensor platform for fluorescence-based sensors and the second is an absorbance-based portable sensor for the detection of nitrates in groundwater.
A generic multi-analyte sensor platform can be applied to a broad range of areas such as food packaging and blood gas analysis. A multi-analyte optical sensor platform for enhanced capture of fluorescence was modelled, designed and fabricated. The sensor platform was developed using a range of microfabrication techniques. Films sensitive to oxygen, relative humidity and carbon dioxide respectively were developed for the context of indoor air-quality monitoring. Deposition methods for printing the sensor solutions onto the sensor platforms were also investigated. The sensor films and platforms were integrated into a working sensor chip with both a fluorescence intensity and phase fluorometric detection system.
An absorbance-based portable sensor for the detection of nitrates in groundwater was also developed. This was based on the direct absorbance of UV-light by the nitrate ion. Other contaminants, which could be found in groundwater and interfere with the nitrate detection, such as humic acid and chlorides, were investigated and compensated for.