Robust and economical multi-sample, multi-wavelength UV/vis absorption and fluorescence detector for biological and chemical contamination

TL;DR

This paper introduces a portable, cost-effective multi-sample UV/vis and fluorescence detector that operates wirelessly, interfaces with mobile devices, and provides sensitive detection for contaminants like ethylene glycol and glucose, suitable for field use.

Contribution

The authors develop a robust, economical, multi-channel detection device with no moving parts, capable of wireless operation and smartphone interfacing, suitable for rapid field testing of contaminants.

Findings

Detects ethylene glycol concentrations above FDA safety levels

Measures glucose concentration via fluorescence with high sensitivity

Operates wirelessly on batteries, suitable for field deployment

Abstract

We present a portable multi-channel, multi-sample UV/vis absorption and fluorescence detection device, which has no moving parts, can operate wirelessly and on batteries, interfaces with smart mobile phones or tablets, and has the sensitivity of commercial instruments costing an order of magnitude more. We use UV absorption to measure the concentration of ethylene glycol in water solutions at all levels above those deemed unsafe by the United States Food and Drug Administration; in addition we use fluorescence to measure the concentration of d-glucose. Both wavelengths can be used concurrently to increase measurement robustness and increase detection sensitivity. Our small robust economical device can be deployed in the absence of laboratory infrastructure, and therefore may find applications immediately following natural disasters, and in more general deployment for much broader-based testing of food, agricultural and household products to prevent outbreaks of poisoning and disease.