A novel low-cost and simple fabrication technique for a paper-based analytical device using super glue

BACKGROUND

The microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have been highly regarded as effective tools that offer a cost-effective and portable solution for point-of-care testing (POCT) and on-site detection. Utilizing paper substrates such as cellulose and nitrocellulose membranes, μPADs have proven beneficial for a range of applications from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring. Despite their advantages, the fabrication of μPADs often requires sophisticated techniques and equipment, posing challenges for widespread adoption, especially in resource-limited settings. This study addresses the need for a simplified, low-cost method for fabricating μPADs that is accessible without specialized training or equipment.

RESULTS

This research introduces a novel, efficient method for producing μPADs using 3D-printed slidable chambers and super glue vapor, bypassing traditional, more complex fabrication processes. The method utilizes super glue (ethyl-cyanoacrylate) vapor to create hydrophobic barriers on paper substrates. By optimizing the exposure sequence to super glue and water vapors and the heating conditions, we achieved rapid hydrophobization within 5 min, creating effective hydrophobic barriers and hydrophilic channels on paper substrates. The technique's simplicity allows for use by individuals without specialized training. The practical application of the fabrication method is demonstrated by the fabrication of μPADs that can detect multiple target analytes. We perform the simultaneous detection of glucose, proteins, and also the simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions nickel (Ni2+) and copper (Cu2+), highlighting its potential for broad applications in point-of-care diagnostics.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study is the first to report a method for selective exposure of ethyl-cyanoacrylate vapor for the fabrication of μPADs. This method significantly reduces the complexity, time, and fabrication cost, making it feasible for use in various settings. It also eliminates the need for specialized equipment and can be executed by individuals without specialized training. We believe that the proposed fabrication method contributes to the wider adoption and deployment of μPADs across various sectors.

Magnetically Controllable Paper-Based Soft Robots for Colorimetric Detection of Heavy Metal Ions

Magnetically controllable soft robots are of great interest because they have unique properties compared with conventional rigid counterparts and can be used in diverse applications such as intelligent electronics, bionics, personalized medicine, and cargo grasping. However, the fabrication of such multifunctional soft robots has been challenging because of the integration of dissimilar materials into the robot body. Herein, we designed and fabricated a soft robotic multifunctional system using conventional papers and elastomeric polymers for the colorimetric detection of heavy metal ions (Hg2+ and Fe3+) in water samples. The magnetic actuation of the platforms was shown to correlate with the type of underlying paper and magnetic particle content in the mixtures. Moreover, it was observed that actuation can also be manipulated by controlling the magnetic field strength. A proof-of-concept robotic paper-based Hg2+, Zn2+, and Fe3+ ion detection was demonstrated by combining colorimetric paper sensors and magneto-papers. Our study highlights the significant potential of paper as a material for the fabrication of effective and multifunctional untethered soft robots.

Microfluidic paper analytic device (μPAD) technology for food safety applications

Foodborne pathogens, food adulterants, allergens, and toxic chemicals in food can cause major health hazards to humans and animals. Stringent quality control measures at all stages of food processing are required to ensure food safety. There is, therefore, a global need for affordable, reliable, and rapid tests that can be conducted at different process steps and processing sites, spanning the range from the sourcing of food to the end-product acquired by the consumer. Current laboratory-based food quality control tests are well established, but many are not suitable for rapid on-site investigations and are costly. Microfluidic paper analytical devices (μPADs) are a fast-growing field in medical diagnostics that can fill these gaps. In this review, we describe the latest developments in the applications of microfluidic paper analytic device (μPAD) technology in the food safety sector. State-of-the-art μPAD designs and fabrication methods, microfluidic assay principles, and various types of μPAD devices with food-specific applications are discussed. We have identified the prominent research and development trends and future directions for maximizing the value of microfluidic technology in the food sector and have highlighted key areas for improvement. We conclude that the μPAD technology is promising in food safety applications by using novel materials and improved methods to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the assays, with low cost.

Insights into the Fabrication and Electrochemical Aspects of Paper Microfluidics-Based Biosensor Module

Over the past ten years, microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (micro-PADs) have attracted a lot of attention as a viable analytical platform. It is expanding as a result of advances in manufacturing processes and device integration. Conventional microfluidics approaches have some drawbacks, including high costs, lengthy evaluation times, complicated fabrication, and the necessity of experienced employees. Hence, it is extremely important to construct a detection system that is quick, affordable, portable, and efficient. Nowadays, micro-PADs are frequently employed, particularly in electrochemical analyses, to replicate the classic standard laboratory experiments on a miniature paper chip. It has benefits like rapid assessment, small sample consumption, quick reaction, accuracy, and multiplex function. The goal of this review is to examine modern paper microfluidics-based electrochemical sensing devices for the detection of macromolecules, small molecules, and cells in a variety of real samples. The design and fabrication of micro-PADs using conventional and the latest techniques have also been discussed in detail. Lastly, the limitations and potential of these analytical platforms are examined in order to shed light on future research.

Functional toner for office laser printer and its application for printing of paper-based superwettable patterns and devices

Laserjet printing is a kind of facile and digital do-it-yourself strategies, which is of importance to fabricate inexpensive paper-based microfluidic devices. However, the printed hydrophobic barrier is not hydrophobic enough due to the weak hydrophobicity and requires subsequent heating, which can lead to the pyrolysis of cellulose in the paper and influence the detection results. Here, for the first time, we report a kind of functional toner including toner and polydopamine (PDA) nanocapsules which contains oleic acid modified ferric tetroxide (OA-Fe3O4) and octadecylamine (ODA), which is suitable for printing with desired shapes and sizes to lead to formation of superhydrophobic barriers. Moreover, patterns printed with functional toner have good stability, including resistance to moisture, ultraviolet (UV) and bending. Finally, a proof-of-concept of metal and nitrite ions testing is demonstrated using colorimetric analysis, and the results show that the printed devices successfully perform instant detection of ions. The developed functional toner offers easy fabrication, cost-effectiveness and mass production of paper-based devices. In general, this strategy provides a new idea and technical support for the rapid prototyping of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) using laserjet printing.

Electrochemical microfluidic paper-based analytical devices for cancer biomarker detection: From 2D to 3D sensing systems

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) offer a unique possibility for a cost-effective portable and rapid detection of a wide range of small molecules and macromolecules and even microorganisms. In this line, electrochemical detection methods are key techniques for the qualitative analysis of different types of ligands. The electrochemical sensing μPADs have been devised for the rapid, accurate, and quantitative detection of oncomarkers through two-/three-dimensional (2D/3D) approaches. The 2D μPADs were first developed and then transformed into 3D systems via folding and/or twisting of paper. The microfluidic channels and connections were created within the layers of paper. Based on the fabrication methods, 3D μPADs can be classified into origami and stacking devices. Various fabrication methods and materials have been used to create hydrophilic channels in μPADs, among which the wax printing technique is the most common method in fabricating μPADs. In this review, we discuss the fabrication and design strategies of μPADs, elaborate on their detection modes, and highlight their applications in affinity-based electrochemical μPADs methods for the detection of oncomarkers.

Recent Advances In the development of enzymatic paper-based microfluidic biosensors

Using microfluidic paper-based analytical devices has attracted considerable attention in recent years. This is mainly due to their low cost, availability, portability, simple design, high selectivity, and sensitivity. Owing to their specific substrates and catalytic functions, enzymes are the most commonly used bioactive agents in μPADs. Enzymatic μPADs are various in design, fabrication, and detection methods. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the development of enzymatic μPADs by considering the methods of detection and fabrication. Particularly, techniques for mass production of these enzymatic μPADs for use in different fields such as medicine, environment, agriculture, and food industries are critically discussed. This paper aims to provide a critical review of μPADs and discuss different fabrication methods as the central parts of the μPADs production categorized into printable and non-printable methods. In addition, state-of-the-art technologies such as fully printed enzymatic μPADs for rapid, low-cost, and mass production and improvement have been considered.

Trends in Paper-Based Sensing Devices for Clinical and Environmental Monitoring

Environmental toxic pollutants and pathogens that enter the ecosystem are major global issues. Detection of these toxic chemicals/pollutants and the diagnosis of a disease is a first step in efficiently controlling their contamination and spread, respectively. Various analytical techniques are available to detect and determine toxic chemicals/pathogens, including liquid chromatography, HPLC, mass spectroscopy, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. However, these sensing strategies have some drawbacks such as tedious sample pretreatment and preparation, the requirement for skilled technicians, and dependence on large laboratory-based instruments. Alternatively, biosensors, especially paper-based sensors, could be used extensively and are a cost-effective alternative to conventional laboratory testing. They can improve accessibility to testing to identify chemicals and pollutants, especially in developing countries. Due to its low cost, abundance, easy disposal (by incineration, for example) and biocompatible nature, paper is considered a versatile material for the development of environmentally friendly electrochemical/optical (bio) sensor devices. This review presents an overview of sensing platforms constructed from paper, pointing out the main merits and demerits of paper-based sensing systems, their fabrication techniques, and the different optical/electrochemical detection techniques that they exploit.

Advances on microfluidic paper-based electroanalytical devices

Since the inception of the first electrochemical devices on paper substrates, many different reports of microfluidic paper-based electroanalytical devices (μPEDs), innovative hydrophobic barriers and electrode fabrication processes have allowed the incorporation of diverse materials, resulting in different applications and a boost in performance. These advancements have led to the creation of paper-based devices with comparable performance to many standard conventional devices, with the added benefits of pumpless fluidic transport, component separation and reagent storage that can be exploited to automate and handle sample preprocessing. Herein, we review μPEDs, summarize the characteristics and functionalities of μPEDs, such as separation, fluid flow control and storage, and outline the conventional and emerging fabrication and modification approaches for μPEDs. We also examine the recent application of μPEDs in biomedicine, the environment, and food and water safety, as well as some limitations and challenges that must be addressed.

Paper based microfluidic devices: a review of fabrication techniques and applications

A wide range of applications are possible with paper-based analytical devices, which are low priced, easy to fabricate and operate, and require no specialized equipment. Paper-based microfluidics offers the design of miniaturized POC devices to be applied in the health, environment, food, and energy sector employing the ASSURED (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and Robust, Equipment free and Deliverable to end users) principle of WHO. Therefore, this field is growing very rapidly and ample research is being done. This review focuses on fabrication and detection techniques reported to date. Additionally, this review emphasises on the application of this technology in the area of medical diagnosis, energy generation, environmental monitoring, and food quality control. This review also presents the theoretical analysis of fluid flow in porous media for the efficient handling and control of fluids. The limitations of PAD have also been discussed with an emphasis to concern on the transformation of such devices from laboratory to the consumer.

Disposable Paper-Based Biosensors for the Point-of-Care Detection of Hazardous Contaminations-A Review

The fast detection of trace amounts of hazardous contaminations can prevent serious damage to the environment. Paper-based sensors offer a new perspective on the world of analytical methods, overcoming previous limitations by fabricating a simple device with valuable benefits such as flexibility, biocompatibility, disposability, biodegradability, easy operation, large surface-to-volume ratio, and cost-effectiveness. Depending on the performance type, the device can be used to analyze the analyte in the liquid or vapor phase. For liquid samples, various structures (including a dipstick, as well as microfluidic and lateral flow) have been constructed. Paper-based 3D sensors are prepared by gluing and folding different layers of a piece of paper, being more user-friendly, due to the combination of several preparation methods, the integration of different sensor elements, and the connection between two methods of detection in a small set. Paper sensors can be used in chromatographic, electrochemical, and colorimetric processes, depending on the type of transducer. Additionally, in recent years, the applicability of these sensors has been investigated in various applications, such as food and water quality, environmental monitoring, disease diagnosis, and medical sciences. Here, we review the development (from 2010 to 2021) of paper methods in the field of the detection and determination of toxic substances.

Low-Cost Optical Assays for Point-of-Care Diagnosis in Resource-Limited Settings

Readily deployable, low-cost point-of-care medical devices such as lateral flow assays (LFAs), microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs), and microfluidic thread-based analytical devices (μTADs) are urgently needed in resource-poor settings. Governed by the ASSURED criteria (affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, rapid and robust, equipment-free, and deliverability) set by the World Health Organization, these reliable platforms can screen a myriad of chemical and biological analytes including viruses, bacteria, proteins, electrolytes, and narcotics. The Ebola epidemic in 2014 and the ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 have exemplified the ever-increasing importance of timely diagnostics to limit the spread of diseases. This review provides a comprehensive survey of LFAs, μPADs, and μTADs that can be deployed in resource-limited settings. The subsequent commercialization of these technologies will benefit the public health, especially in areas where access to healthcare is limited.

A Portable Smartphone-based Platform with an Offline Image-processing Tool for the Rapid Paper-based Colorimetric Detection of Glucose in Artificial Saliva

In this study, a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) was integrated with a smartphone app capable of offline (without internet access) image processing and analysis for the rapid colorimetric detection of glucose. A self-inking stamp was used to form hydrophobic channels on a piece of paper-towel due to its superior water absorption efficiency. As demonstrated, the developed sensor was employed for the colorimetric detection of glucose in artificial saliva in the linear scope of 0 - 1 mM with a calculated detection limit of 29.65 μM. The experimental results show that the quantitative analysis of glucose with the proposed smartphone platform could be completed in less than one minute. The app developed for the smartphone platform is capable of extracting the color-changing area with an embedded image processing tool which could address the problem of color uniformity in the detection zones of μPAD. The integrated platform has great potential to be used for non-invasive measurements of glucose in body fluids, like tears, sweat and saliva.

Research progress on the applications of paper chips

Due to the modern pursuit of the quality of life, science and technology have rapidly developed, resulting in higher requirements for various detection methods based on analytical technology. Herein, the development, fabrication, detection and application of paper-based microfluidic chips (μPAD) are summarized. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of paper chips, and then discuss challenges and future prospects in this field.

Simultaneous quantification of multiple biomarkers on a self-calibrating microfluidic paper-based analytic device

In this study, we developed a point-of-care assay platform with simultaneous detection and self-calibration capabilities for multiple targets based on a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD). This system is easily manufactured using a wax printing method on chromatographic paper. The design pattern consists of a zone of detection and a calibrant zone for controlled loading using wax barriers with different thicknesses. We showed the utility and applicability of this approach by a proof-of-concept study for two clinically important markers: glucose and lactate. With the naked eye, the results could be fully distinguished and recorded to evaluate the analytical performance with a flatbed scanner. The detection limits of glucose and lactate were 0.3125 mM and 0.2975 mM, respectively, and simultaneous detection was possible from a small sample (0.4 μL) with high sensitivity. Furthermore, this device has a self-calibration function, which minimizes the influence of environmental conditions (i.e., ambient light intensity, temperature, humidity, and pressure). Therefore, the developed multiplex paper-based device is promising for clinical multianalyte point-of-care testing since it is easy to manufacture, cost-effective, user-friendly, and highly sensitive.

New Single-Layered Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices for the Analysis of Nitrite and Glucose Built via Deposition of Adhesive Tape

A simple, low-cost technique has been developed for the rapid fabrication of single-layered paper-based microfluidic devices (μPADs). This technique, for the first time, made use of the deposition of patterned adhesive tape into the filter paper to construct hydrophobic barriers, with the help of toluene. Unlike other reported multi-layered μPADs that merely made use of adhesive tape as a separate layer for sealing or fluid flow controlling, the patterned adhesive tape was simultaneously dissolved and penetrated into the filter paper, which resulted in the successful transfer of the pattern from the tape to the filter paper. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, nitrite and glucose were individually measured; detection limits as low as 0.015 ± 0.004 mM and 0.022 ± 0.006 mM were reported for nitrite and glucose, respectively. Multiplexed analysis of both analytes was also carried out with respective detection limits of 0.048 ± 0.005 mM and 0.025 ± 0.006 mM for nitrite and glucose. The application of the method was demonstrated by measuring nitrite and glucose in spiked artificial urine samples and satisfied recovery results were obtained.

Fabrication, Flow Control, and Applications of Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices

Paper-based microfluidic devices have advanced significantly in recent years as they are affordable, automated with capillary action, portable, and biodegradable diagnostic platforms for a variety of health, environmental, and food quality applications. In terms of commercialization, however, paper-based microfluidics still have to overcome significant challenges to become an authentic point-of-care testing format with the advanced capabilities of analyte purification, multiplex analysis, quantification, and detection with high sensitivity and selectivity. Moreover, fluid flow manipulation for multistep integration, which involves valving and flow velocity control, is also a critical parameter to achieve high-performance devices. Considering these limitations, the aim of this review is to (i) comprehensively analyze the fabrication techniques of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices, (ii) provide a theoretical background and various methods for fluid flow manipulation, and iii) highlight the recent detection techniques developed for various applications, including their advantages and disadvantages.

Fabricating Paper Based Devices Using Correction Pens

We present a rapid (<10 s), cost-effective, unique single-step method for fabricating paper-based devices without necessitating any expensive instrumentation, simply by deploying correction pens that are otherwise commonly used for masking typos in printed or written matters. The marked regions formed by deposits from the correction pen demonstrate ubiquitous flow resistances to typical aqueous solutions and organic solvents in the transverse direction, resulting in a preferential bulk flow along the axial direction of the paper channels ‘fabricated’ in the process. Considering the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of this platform, it is deemed to be ideal for (bio) chemical sensing and point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings.

From Point-of-Care Testing to eHealth Diagnostic Devices (eDiagnostics)

Point-of-care devices were originally designed to allow medical testing at or near the point of care by health-care professionals. Some point-of-care devices allow medical self-testing at home but cannot fully cover the growing diagnostic needs of eHealth systems that are under development in many countries. A number of easy-to-use, network-connected diagnostic devices for self-testing are needed to allow remote monitoring of patients' health. This Outlook highlights the essential characteristics of diagnostic devices for eHealth settings and indicates point-of-care technologies that may lead to the development of new devices. It also describes the most representative examples of simple-to-use, point-of-care devices that have been used for analysis of untreated biological samples.

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) for fast and ultrasensitive sensing of biomarkers and monitoring of diseases

Through the development of analytical techniques, microscaled devices have displayed attractive advantages, including ultrasensitive detection and analysis, cost-effectiveness, portability, process integrity, multi-process functionality, and in-situ analysis. In the last decade, a new generation of analytical devices has emerged based on the cellulose materials – so-called microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) – a field that will change the face of the diagnosis of different diseases and sensing of a wide range of biological/chemical/biochemical phenomena. The main aim of the current editorial is to highlight the importance of the µPADs in the research and development of diagnostic devices and pharmaceuticals.

Mimicking peroxidase activity of Co2(OH)2CO3-CeO2 nanocomposite for smartphone based detection of tumor marker using paper-based microfluidic immunodevice

We present a paper-based microfluidic colorimetric immunosensor for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), using Co₂(OH)₂CO₃-CeO₂ nanocomposite with extraordinary intrinsic peroxidase like activity. The morphology and composition of the nanocomposite characterized with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The proposed immunosensor facilely fabricated by loading mixture of ionic liquid and chitosan functionalized primary antibodies (Ab₁) on the surface of paper. Compared to traditional paper based immunodevice, when ionic liquid was used the nonspecific binding protein from the paper surface was more effectively removed. Secondary antibodies (Ab₂) were stacked on the surface of the carboxylated Co₂(OH)₂CO₃-CeO₂ nanocomposite. The immunosensor response was obtained by a color change resulting from Co₂(OH)₂CO₃-CeO₂ nanocomposite catalyzing the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl benzidine in the presence of H₂O₂. The colorimetric sensing was accomplished on the paper, using smartphone for taking a photo and then analyzing the colors with an installed application. Detection of CEA was performed by this method with a linear range from 0.002 to 75.0 ng mL^-1 and a detection limit of 0.51 pg mL^-1. In this paper we developed simple, cost-effective and portable design for sensitive immunoassay and point-of-care diagnostics of cancer marker.

Asymmetric, nano-textured surfaces influence neuron viability and polarity

Three dimensional, nanostructured surfaces have attracted considerable attention in biomedical research since they have proven to represent a powerful platform to influence cell fate. In particular, nanorods and nanopillars possess great potential for the control of cell adhesion and differentiation, gene and biomolecule delivery, optical and electrical stimulation and recording, as well as cell patterning. Here, we investigate the influence of asymmetric poly(dichloro-p-xylene) (PPX) columnar films on the adhesion and maturation of cortical neurons. We show that nanostructured films with dense, inclined polymer columns can support viable primary neuronal culture. The cell-nanostructure interface is characterized showing a minimal cell penetration but strong adhesion on the surface. Moreover, we quantify the influence of the nano-textured surface on the neural development (soma size, neuritogenesis, and polarity) in comparison to a planar PPX sample. We demonstrate that the nanostructures facilitates an enhancement in neurite branching as well as elongation of axons and growth cones. Furthermore, we show for the first time that the asymmetric orientation of polymeric nanocolumns strongly influences the initiation direction of the axon formation. These results evidence that 3D nano-topographies can significantly change neural development and can be used to engineer axon elongation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1634-1645, 2018.

Patterned polycaprolactone-filled glass microfiber microfluidic devices for total protein content analysis

Membrane based microfluidic devices have gained much popularity in recent years, as they make possible rapid, inexpensive analytical techniques that can be applied to a wide variety of areas. The ability to modify device hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity is critically important in fabricating membrane based microfluidic devices. Polar hydrophilic membranes, such as glass microfiber (GMF) membranes, hold great potential as they are inexpensive, chemically inert, and stable. Filling of these membranes with non-polar polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL) converts the hydrophilic GMF into a hydrophobic medium. Controlled alteration of the surface chemistry of PCL/GMF substrates allows for the fabrication of microfluidic patterns on the surface. Using this approach, we have developed a simple and rapid technique for fabrication of highly adaptable complex multidimensional (2D and 3D) microfluidic pathways on a single membrane. PCL-filled GMF media were masked and selectively exposed to oxygen radicals so that the exposed surface became permanently superhydrophilic in its behavior. The desired microfluidic pattern was cut into the mask prior to assembly and exposure, and the mask was removed after exposure to reveal the ready-to-use microfluidic device. To verify and demonstrate the performance of this novel fabrication method, a colorimetric total protein assay was applied to the determination of protein concentrations in real samples.

Paper-Based Colorimetric Biosensor for Tear Glucose Measurements

This paper describes a paper-based colorimetric biosensor for measuring glucose concentration levels in human tear samples. Colorimetric biosensors were wax printed on paper platforms and modified with chitosan previously prepared in acetic acid. The proposed device was explored to measure the glucose levels in human tear samples using 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzydine (TMB) as the chromogenic reagent. The paper-based colorimetric biosensor exhibited a linear behavior for the glucose concentration range between 0.1 and 1.0 mM. The achieved analytical sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) were 84 AU/mM and 50 µM, respectively. Moreover, the device provided analytical reliability and no statistical difference when compared to the data recorded with a commercial glucometer. The proof-of-concept of our device was successfully demonstrated by measuring the glucose levels in six tear samples from nondiabetic subjects. In general, the results showed that the colorimetric biosensor has noticeable potential to be used as a powerful tool for tear glucose monitoring, since this fluid offers lower potential interferences, non-invasive sample collection and is pain-free. Furthermore, the proposed device could facilitate the treatment of diabetic patients who need constant control of glucose levels and cannot tolerate multiple finger sticks per day.

Paper-based sensors and assays: a success of the engineering design and the convergence of knowledge areas

This review shows the recent advances and state of the art in paper-based analytical devices (PADs) through the analysis of their integration with microfluidics and LOC micro- and nanotechnologies, electrochemical/optical detection and electronic devices as the convergence of various knowledge areas. The important role of the paper design/architecture in the improvement of the performance of sensor devices is discussed. The discussion is fundamentally based on μPADs as the new generation of paper-based (bio)sensors. Data about the scientific publication ranking of PADs, illustrating their increase as an experimental research topic in the past years, are supplied. In addition, an analysis of the simultaneous evolution of PADs in academic lab research and industrial commercialization highlighting the parallelism of the technological transfer from academia to industry is displayed. A general overview of the market behaviour, the leading industries in the sector and their commercialized devices is given. Finally, personal opinions of the authors about future perspectives and tendencies in the design and fabrication technology of PADs are disclosed.

Fabrication and Operation of Paper-Based Analytical Devices

This review focuses on the fabrication techniques and operational components of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). Being low-cost, user-friendly, fast, and simple, μPADs have seen explosive growth in the literature in the last decade. Many different materials and technologies have been employed to fabricate μPADs for various applications, including those that employ patterning, the creation of physical boundaries, and three-dimensional structures. In addition to fabrication techniques, flow control and other operational components in μPADs are of great interest. These components enable μPADs to control flow rates, direct flow paths via valves, sequentially deliver reagents automatically, and display test results, all of which will make μPADs more suitable for point-of-care applications.

Highly sensitive colorimetric detection of glucose and uric acid in biological fluids using chitosan-modified paper microfluidic devices

This paper describes the modification of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) with chitosan to improve the analytical performance of colorimetric measurements associated with enzymatic bioassays. Chitosan is a natural biopolymer extensively used to modify biosensing surfaces due to its capability of providing a suitable microenvironment for the direct electron transfer between an enzyme and a reactive surface. This hypothesis was investigated using glucose and uric acid (UA) colorimetric assays as model systems. The best colorimetric sensitivity for glucose and UA was achieved using a chromogenic solution composed of 4-aminoantipyrine and sodium 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonate (4-AAP/DHBS), which provided a linear response for a concentration range between 0.1 and 1.0 mM. Glucose and UA were successfully determined in artificial serum samples with accuracies between 87 and 114%. The limits of detection (LODs) found for glucose and UA assays were 23 and 37 μM, respectively. The enhanced analytical performance of chitosan-modified μPADs allowed the colorimetric detection of glucose in tear samples from four nondiabetic patients. The achieved concentration levels ranged from 130 to 380 μM. The modified μPADs offered analytical reliability and accuracy as well as no statistical difference from the values achieved through a reference method. Based on the presented results, the proposed μPAD can be a powerful alternative tool for non-invasive glucose analysis.

Fabrication of paper-based microfluidic analysis devices: a review

As the main advantage of μPADs is compact and low-cost, we suggest that three kinds of technology could be utilized to develop the prototype of μPADs-based instruments rapidly, including open source hardware-Aduino, smart phone and 3D printing.

Printed microwells with highly stable thin-film enzyme coatings for point-of-care multiplex bioassay of blood samples

A paper-based colorimetric biosensor suitable for point-of-care bioassay of blood samples is developed using highly stable enzyme thin-film coatings confined within inkjet printed polymeric microwells.