Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Current research will lead to rapid-prototyping of chemical sensors that utilize microfabricated molecularly imprinted (MI) materials. CFD/CAD software may be used to model flow and chemical binding properties of MI materials in microfluidic channels. Use of this type of software expedites results when changes in properties are made. The surface concentration of bound analyte on a monolithic molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) within microfluidic channels can be modeled using its experimental binding kinetics. The time necessary to reach a detection limit is calculated and optimized as a function of flow parameters. In this report, we discuss the unique issues associated with the modeling of chemical sensors that utilize MI materials.