Proof-of-concept demonstration of a Total Internal Reflection based module for fluorescence and absorbance detection using a 3D-printed syringe pump

In this paper we demonstrate the proof-of-concept of an optofluidic module capable of simultaneous laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and absorbance (ABS) detection based on total internal reflection (TIR) optics. We discuss the design of the optofluidic detection module, its fabrication, and the setup used for the proof-of-concept. The injection of sample under test is done using two 3D printed syringe pumps, managing accurate injection and repeatable sample propagation through the detector module. We discuss the process of development behind these pumps and review their technical specifications. With this demonstrator setup we find that the limits of detection for the ABS and LIF detection of coumarin 480 are 500 nM and 100 nM respectively.