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Semi-quantitative microfluidic paper-based analytical device for ionic silica detection

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Abstract

Silicate ions (SiO32−), or ionic silica, are known to cause silica scaling in industrial water applications when excess amounts are present; hence, concentrations must be monitored and kept at a constant low level. Ionic silica is conventionally measured by spectrophotometry in the form of its silicomolybdic complex based on the molybdenum blue reaction, but the operation process is complicated and not suitable for on-site detection. To solve these issues, microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) have been gaining attention as portable, low-cost analytical devices suitable for on-site detection. The foldable origami type device described in this work enabled silica detection based on the molybdenum blue reaction, in the range of 50–1000 mg/L, with a practically detectable lowest concentration of 50 mg/L. The device showed selectivity for silicate ions and stability over 21 days when stored at 4 °C. The semi-quantitative analytical performance makes the proposed paper-based device attractive for on-site industrial monitoring.

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The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported through a collaborative research agreement between Keio University and the Chemical Research Department, Research and Innovation Center, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan

    Mami Ogawa, Aya Katoh, Yuki Hiruta & Daniel Citterio

  2. Chemical Research Department, Research and Innovation Center, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., 2-1-1 Shinhama, Arai-Cho, Takasago, Hyogo, Japan

    Ryuichi Matsubara & Haruka Kondo

  3. Chemical Research Department, Research and Innovation Center, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., 5-717-1 Fukahori-Machi, Nagasaki, Japan

    Mizuki Otsuka & Tetsuya Sawatsubashi

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  1. Mami Ogawa
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Correspondence to Daniel Citterio.

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Ogawa, M., Katoh, A., Matsubara, R. et al. Semi-quantitative microfluidic paper-based analytical device for ionic silica detection. ANAL. SCI. 39, 1361–1370 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44211-023-00345-1

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