A compact lab-on-a-chip nanosensor for glycerol detection

Real-time monitoring of glycerol concentration has significant meaning in many lab-on-a-chip applications. The existing sensors for glycerol detection have complicated fabrication and testing procedures and are not truly compatible with microfluidic systems for on-site detection. In this study, we explore the possibility of using an integrated single-walled carbon nanotubes nanosensor for glycerol detection. Our device enables real-time, in-channel detection of the concentration of static or flowing aqueous glycerol solutions. Sensor resistance is found to increase with an increasing glycerol-to-water weight ratio and is sensitive to flow velocity. We also highlight the sensing mechanisms for both conditions.