Chungnam National University researchers develop a rapid water quality monitoring chip for antibiotic detection
New microfluidic electrochemical sensor containing selenite-enriched lanthanum hydroxide enables on-site detection of trimethoprim molecules
Chungnam National University Evaluation Team
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Scientists developed a simple TMP detection device for on-site monitoring of contaminated wastewater using selenite-enriched lanthanum hydroxide electrode and polyimide-filter microfluidic channel.
view moreCredit: Tae Yoon Lee from Chungnam National University, Korea
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis because of microbes, such as bacteria, becoming resistant to antibiotics. A leading factor in this rise is the improper use and disposal of antibiotics in the environment. Effluents from wastewater treatment plants often contain various antibiotics including trimethoprim (TMP), which can harm ecosystems by disrupting microbial communities essential for nutrient cycling. In addition to contributing to AMR, TMP poses various health risks to humans through indirect exposure.
Traditional methods for TMP detection such as capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry, are often labor-intensive and time-consuming. Electrochemical (EC) methods can provide respite from these issues by offering exceptional sensitivity, real-time analytical capabilities and the potential for miniaturization.
Professor Tae Yoon Lee and Dr. Natarajan Karikalan of Chungnam National University, Korea, have made a pioneering advancement in EC detection methods, that shows promise to revolutionize on-site testing for TMP in contaminated wastewater. They developed a disposable microfluidic lab-on-a-chip (LOC) EC sensor, μTMP-chip, designed for real-time TMP detection. “Efficient TMP monitoring in effluents is critical for effective control protocols. Hence, we aimed to enable in situ testing of water samples,” explains Prof. Lee. Their paper was made available online on September 21, 2024 and was published in Volume 499 of Chemical Engineering Journal on November 1, 2024.
The researchers designed the disposable chip by combining a special electrode made with lanthanum hydroxide and selenite, with a polyimide (PI) filter in a microfluidic channel. The analyses showed that the addition of selenite improved the electrode’s ability to detect chemicals by allowing better charge flow. Additionally, the PI filter improved the μTMP-chip’s real-time performance, while the efficiency dropped by 15 to 45% when the filter was removed. Additionally, the filter helped trap and isolate unwanted materials and prevented the risk of microbial growth, which could interfere with the sensor's function.
The μTMP-chip sensor demonstrated impressive results in real-world testing, showing recovery rates of 94.3 % to 97.6 % in soil and water samples. These results, obtained through wireless testing, highlight the chip’s potential for practical use in monitoring environmental samples.
“Our current design may face challenges in detecting TMP in highly polluted environments with significant matrix interferences. However, we hope our research will inspire further exploration into developing affordable and efficient TMP detection chips,” said Prof. Lee.
The researchers believe that their innovative lab-on-a-chip design has the potential to improve the feasibility of on-site, real-time tracking of environmental contaminants leading to improved conservation of ecosystems and human health.
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Reference
Title of original paper: Microfluidic sensor integrated with selenite-enriched lanthanum hydroxide and in situ filtration for the on-site detection of the antibiotic trimethoprim in environmental samples
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.155982
About the institute
Chungnam National University (CNU), located in Daejeon, South Korea, is a leading national university renowned for its excellence in research and education. Established in 1952, CNU offers diverse programs in engineering, medicine, sciences, and the arts, fostering innovation and global collaboration. Situated near Daedeok Innopolis, a major R&D hub, it excels in biotechnology, materials science, and information technology. With a vibrant international community and cutting-edge facilities, CNU continues to drive academic and technological advancements, making it a top choice for students worldwide.
Website: https://plus.cnu.ac.kr/html/en/
About the author
Dr. Tae Yoon Lee is a Professor at Chungnam National University, serving in the Departments of Convergence System Engineering. His primary research interest lies in microfluidics, where he has made significant contributions. Dr. Lee has published over 46 research articles, garnering nearly 900 citations with an impressive h-index of 19, underscoring his impact in the field.
Journal
Chemical Engineering Journal
Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Microfluidic sensor integrated with selenite-enriched lanthanum hydroxide and in situ filtration for the on-site detection of the antibiotic trimethoprim in environmental samples
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