Impedimetric monitoring in microfluidic reaction systems for small molecule detection in flow

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Andrea A. Robitzki
• Subject Area: Analytical Chemistry ; Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 251124697

Project 6 deals with the development and integration of cell based analytical modules and their integration into chip-based micro reaction systems. The objective is a flow-through label-free and online analysis of small molecules and compounds. To this end, multi-zone microelectrode arrays will be developed and incorporated into one microfluidic chip in order to combine all modules ¿ integrated micro reactors, microfluidic free-flow electrophoresis (¿FFE) and cell-based analysis. The microelectrode array based analytical module will allow (a) a label-free impedimetric monitoring of chemical micro syntheses in a continuous flow and (b) a real-time and serial monitoring of cell functions. In addition to bioelectrical monitoring, the continuously separated reaction products (small molecules) will also be detected and characterized in viable cells by optical monitoring. For the first time, chemical synthesis, separation and detection of biological function will be combined on a minimum of space. Such a novel integrated system will certainly increase the effectiveness, safety and efficacy of the selection process of bioactive lead substances.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 2177: Integrated Chemical Micro Laboratories
• Co-Investigators: Professor Dr. Stefan Nagl; Professor Dr. Christoph Schneider