Analytical Sciences

Fluorescent Derivatization of Nitrite Ions with 2,3-Diaminonaphthalene Utilizing a pH Gradient in a Y-shaped Microchannel

Tamao ODAKE,* Mari TABUCHI,* Takanori SATO,** Hironori SUSAKI,** and Takashi KORENAGA*^,*** 

*Department of Ecosystem Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokushima, 2-1 Minami-josanjima, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan
**Elemental Technology Development and Researching Laboratory, Furuno Electric Co., Ltd., 9-52 Ashihara, Nishinomiya 662-8580, Japan
***Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences, University of Tokushima, 1-1 Minami-josanjima, Tokushima 770-8502, Japan

The on-chip derivatization of nitrite ions with 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (DAN) utilizing a pH gradient formed in a Y-shaped microchannel was investigated. Nitrite ions react with DAN at low pH, and strongly fluoresced at high pH. Therefore, a reaction at low pH followed by the addition of a strong alkaline solution is the usual procedure in a batch scheme. However, a strong alkaline solution, like an NaOH aqueous solution, erodes the wall of the microchannels in substrates made of glass or polymers, and has not been considered suitable for use in microchannels. We first investigated the derivatization reaction and fluorescent properties of nitrite ions with DAN. We found that the on-chip fluorescent derivatization reaction and detection without the addition of an alkaline solution is possible by controlling the pH values of the nitrite solution and the DAN solution to form a suitable pH gradient by utilizing a buffering effect of triethanolamine solution, which is used as an NO₂ gas-absorption medium. These results have suggested the feasibility of novel reaction schemes which can provide the desired products due to a controlled pH gradient in the microchannels, as well as the possibility of an on-site monitoring microchip device for ambient NO₂.

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