Grant: Idea to Innovation

We will develop a UV-Vis absorption detector that is capable of quantifying dilute chemical substances at four wavelengths between 480 -255 nm and in volumes of less than 10 nanoliters. The detector will be an alternative to fluorescence detection in micro-analytical separation methods, such as micro-HPLC, microfluidic devices and capillary electrophoresis. This alternative is needed, because compounds that do not exhibit native fluorescence presently require an error-prone and time-consuming labeling step. Furthermore, the new detector is also expected to be a viable alternative to absorption detectors commonly used in commercial chemical analysis labs. At present, many HPLC systems are coupled to absorption detectors that achieve excellent sensitivity and detection limits for detection volumes in the micro-liter range. By reducing the size of the separation system to micro-HPLC (nanoliter detection volumes), a considerable amount of money could be saved, but this is not possible with present absorption detectors. We expect that our detector will reduce the analysis time and the environmental footprint (solvent consumption) of the chemical analysis, while retaining the sensitivity, accuracy and detection limits of analytical scale HPLC. By the conclusion of Phase I we will have developed and built at least one prototype of a 4-wavelength absorption detector. This detector will be tested along-side commercial absorption detectors in an analysis lab in the pharmaceutical industry. One graduate student will be involved in the research and development of the detector and will gain valuable experience in dealing with commercial clients.