A Phosphorescence Quenching-Based Intelligent Dissolved Oxygen Sensor on an Optofluidic Platform

Continuous measurement of dissolved oxygen (DO) is essential for water quality monitoring and biomedical applications. Here, a phosphorescence quenching-based intelligent dissolved oxygen sensor on an optofluidic platform for continuous measurement of dissolved oxygen is presented. A high sensitivity dissolved oxygen-sensing membrane was prepared by coating the phosphorescence indicator of platinum(II) meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (PtTFPP) on the surface of the microfluidic channels composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microstructure arrays. Then, oxygen could be determined by its quenching effect on the phosphorescence, according to Stern-Volmer model. The intelligent sensor abandons complicated optical or electrical design and uses a photomultiplier (PMT) counter in cooperation with a mobile phone application program to measure phosphorescence intensity, so as to realize continuous, intelligent and real-time dissolved oxygen analysis. Owing to the combination of the microfluidic-based highly sensitive oxygen sensing membrane with a reliable phosphorescent intensity detection module, the intelligent sensor achieves a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 mg/L, a high sensitivity of 16.9 and a short response time (22 s). Different natural water samples were successfully analyzed using the intelligent sensor, and results demonstrated that the sensor features a high accuracy. The sensor combines the oxygen sensing mechanism with optofluidics and electronics, providing a miniaturized and intelligent detection platform for practical oxygen analysis in different application fields.