Low-cost printing of poly(dimethylsiloxane) barriers to define microchannels in paper

Programmable diagnostic devices made from paper and tape

This paper describes three-dimensional microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (3-D microPADs) that can be programmed (postfabrication) by the user to generate multiple patterns of flow through them. These devices are programmed by pressing single-use 'on' buttons, using a stylus or a ballpoint pen. Pressing a button closes a small space (gap) between two vertically aligned microfluidic channels, and allows fluids to wick from one channel to the other. These devices are simple to fabricate, and are made entirely out of paper and double-sided adhesive tape. Programmable devices expand the capabilities of microPADs and provide a simple method for controlling the movement of fluids in paper-based channels. They are the conceptual equivalent of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) widely used in electronics.

Microfluidics in macro-biomolecules analysis: macro inside in a nano world

Use of microfluidic devices in the life sciences and medicine has created the possibility of performing investigations at the molecular level. Moreover, microfluidic devices are also part of the technological framework that has enabled a new type of scientific information to be revealed, i.e. that based on intensive screening of complete sets of gene and protein sequences. A deeper bioanalytical perspective may provide quantitative and qualitative tools, enabling study of various diseases and, eventually, may offer support for the development of accurate and reliable methods for clinical assessment. This would open the way to molecule-based diagnostics, i.e. establish accurate diagnosis and disease prognosis based on identification and/or quantification of biomacromolecules, for example proteins or nucleic acids. Finally, the development of disposable and portable devices for molecule-based diagnosis would provide the perfect translation of the science behind life-science research into practical applications dedicated to patients and health practitioners. This review provides an analytical perspective of the impact of microfluidics on the detection and characterization of bio-macromolecules involved in pathological processes. The main features of molecule-based diagnostics and the specific requirements for the diagnostic devices are discussed. Further, the techniques currently used for testing bio-macromolecules for potential diagnostic purposes are identified, emphasizing the newest developments. Subsequently, the challenges of this type of application and the status of commercially available devices are highlighted, and future trends are noted.

Bioactive paper dipstick sensors for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors based on sol-gel/enzyme/gold nanoparticle composites

A bioactive paper-based colorimetric "dipstick" bioassay is reported that is based on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) catalyzed enlargement of gold nanoparticles that are co-entrapped with the enzyme in a sol-gel based silica material that is coated on a functionalized paper substrate. Test solutions containing acetylthiocholine (ATCh) and a Au(III) salt are spotted over the sensing area of the bioactive test strips containing small (3 nm diameter) primary gold nanoparticles (AuNP). Biocatalyzed hydrolysis of ATCh via AChE leads to formation of thiocholine, which in turn reduces the Au(III) onto the entrapped nanoparticles, producing particle growth and a concomitant increase in color intensity that can be correlated to the amount of substrate or inhibitor present in test solutions. The entrapped AuNP cannot leach from the silica material, leading to a bioactive paper assay that can utilize visual detection of a color change as a simple readout. Our results show that the dipstick based bioassay is sufficiently sensitive to allow for detection of Paraoxon over the concentration range of 500 nM to approximately 1 mM. Detection can be made by eye or using a digital camera and image analysis, making the assay suitable for remote analysis.

Thread as a matrix for biomedical assays

This paper describes the use of thread as a matrix for the fabrication of diagnostic assay systems. The kinds of thread used for this study are inexpensive, broadly available, and lightweight; some of them are already familiar materials in healthcare. Fluids wick along these threads by capillary action; no external power source is necessary for pumping. This paper demonstrates three designs for diagnostic assays that use different characteristics of the thread. The first two designs-the "woven array" and the "branching design"-take advantage of the ease with which thread can be woven on a loom to generate fluidic pathways that enable multiple assays to be performed in parallel. The third design-the "sewn array"-takes advantage of the ease with which thread can be sewn through a hydrophobic polymer sheet to incorporate assays into bandages, diapers and similar systems. These designs lead to microfluidic devices that may be useful in performing simple colorimetric assays that require qualitative results. We demonstrate the function of thread-based microfluidic devices in the context of five different colorimetric assays: detection of ketones, nitrite, protein, and glucose in artificial urine, and detection of alkaline phosphatase in artificial plasma.

Electrochemical detection in a paper-based separation device

Prototypes of microfluidic paper-based separation devices with amperometric detection were developed and evaluated. Photolithography was used to make a gold electrochemical microcell on polyester and that microcell was coupled to a strip of paper where a chromatographic separation occurs. The device performance was demonstrated with the separation and quantification of uric and ascorbic acid in mixtures. The method provides an analytical alternative for the determination of compounds where low cost and simplicity are essential.

Diagnostics for the developing world: microfluidic paper-based analytical devices

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (microPADs) are a new class of point-of-care diagnostic devices that are inexpensive, easy to use, and designed specifically for use in developing countries. (To listen to a podcast about this feature, please go to the Analytical Chemistry multimedia page at pubs.acs.org/page/ancham/audio/index.html.).

Patterning of superhydrophobic paper to control the mobility of micro-liter drops for two-dimensional lab-on-paper applications

Superhydrophobic paper substrates were patterned with high surface energy black ink using commercially available desktop printing technology. The shape and size of the ink islands were designed to control the adhesion forces on water drops in two directions, parallel ('drag-adhesion') and perpendicular ('extensional-adhesion') to the substrate. Experimental data on the adhesion forces shows good agreement with classical models for 'drag' (Furmidge equation) and 'extensional' adhesion (modified Dupré equation). The tunability of the two adhesion forces was used to implement four basic unit operations for the manipulation of liquid drops on the paper substrates: storage, transfer, mixing and sampling. By combining these basic functionalities it is possible to design simple two-dimensional lab-on-paper (LOP) devices. In our 2D LOP prototype, liquid droplets adhere to the porous substrate, rather than absorbing into the paper; as a result, liquid droplets remain accessible for further quantitative testing and analysis, after performing simple qualitative on-chip testing. In addition, the use of commercially available desktop printers and word processing software to generate ink patterns enable end users to design LOP devices for specific applications.

Detection of DNA using bioactive paper strips

Paper strips containing DNA-conjugated microgels (MG) are used to achieve sensitive DNA detection in three steps: target DNA promoted ligation of a DNA primer to the MG-bound DNA, rolling circle amplification (RCA) between the primer and a circle DNA, and hybridization of the RCA products and a fluorescent DNA probe.

Bioactive paper provides a low-cost platform for diagnostics

Bioactive paper includes a range of potential paper-based materials that can perform analytical functions normally reserved for multi-well plates in the laboratory or for portable electronic devices. Pathogen detection is the most compelling application. Simple paper-based detection, not requiring hardware, has the potential to have impacts in society, ranging from the kitchen to disasters in the developing world. Bioactive-paper research is an emerging field with significant efforts in Canada, USA (Harvard), Finland and Australia. Following a brief introduction to the material and surface properties of paper, I review the literature. Some of the early work exploits the porosity of paper to generate paper-based microfluidics ("paperfluidics") devices. I exclude from this review printed electronic devices and plastics-supported devices.