Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices for Point-of-Care Diagnostics

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2016) | Viewed by 42622

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Professor of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5060, USA
Interests: blood microfluidics; cellular therapies; blood storage; transfusion medicine; low-cost diagnostics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Paper-based microfluidics is a broad field that leverages the intrinsic physical, chemical, and design properties of paper to create simple, affordable, self-pumping, and easily-disposable microfluidic devices. The advantages of paper as a fluidic substrate include that the material is: lightweight for easy handling and transportation; thin for effective storage; passively wicking, so as to eliminate the need for active pumping device components; flammable for easy disposal by incineration; available in a wide range of forms, with engineered pore sizes, thicknesses, and material compositions, so as to produce an array of physical properties for filtration and conductance purposes; compatible with many printing technologies, so as to allow for precise patterning with many substrates; generally white and matte, so as to allow for easy detection of colorimetric results; historically used, and thus well-developed, for many chemical assays; and nearly universally available and affordable. Paper-based microfluidic devices have numerous applications, including uses as: low-cost diagnostic tests for resource limited settings; rapid and affordable bed-side tests; and platforms for personal mobile medicine. This Special Issue invites original research papers, reviews, and brief communications on: (i) innovative uses of paper-based microfluidic devices for point-of-care diagnostics, and (ii) technical advancements in the field of paper-based microfluidics that enable novel diagnostic capabilities at the point of care.

Prof. Dr. Sergey S. Shevkoplyas
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • paper-based microfluidics
  • point-of-care diagnostics
  • bedside monitoring
  • low-cost assays

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

2744 KiB  
Article
Influence of Geometry and Surrounding Conditions on Fluid Flow in Paper-Based Devices
by Noosheen Walji and Brendan D. MacDonald
Micromachines 2016, 7(5), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi7050073 - 25 Apr 2016
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 6859
Abstract
Fluid flow behaviour in paper is of increasing interest due to the advantages and expanding use of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (known as µPADs). Applications are expanding from those which often have low sample fluid volumes, such as diagnostic testing, to those with [...] Read more.
Fluid flow behaviour in paper is of increasing interest due to the advantages and expanding use of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (known as µPADs). Applications are expanding from those which often have low sample fluid volumes, such as diagnostic testing, to those with an abundance of sample fluid, such as water quality testing. The rapid development of enhanced features in μPADs, along with a need for increased sensitivity and specificity in the embedded chemistry requires understanding the passively-driven fluid motion in paper to enable precise control and consistency of the devices. It is particularly important to understand the influence of parameters associated with larger fluid volumes and to quantify their impact. Here, we experimentally investigate the impacts of several properties during imbibition in paper, including geometry (larger width and length) and the surrounding conditions (humidity and temperature) using abundant fluid reservoirs. Fluid flow velocity in paper was found to vary with temperature and width, but not with length of the paper strip and humidity for the conditions we tested. We observed substantial post-wetting flow for paper strips in contact with a large fluid reservoir. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices for Point-of-Care Diagnostics)
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1863 KiB  
Article
Carbon Nanotube Paper-Based Electroanalytical Devices
by Youngmi Koo, Vesselin N. Shanov and Yeoheung Yun
Micromachines 2016, 7(4), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi7040072 - 20 Apr 2016
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5691
Abstract
Here, we report on carbon nanotube paper-based electroanalytical devices. A highly aligned-carbon nanotube (HA-CNT) array, grown using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), was processed to form bi-layered paper with an integrated cellulose-based Origami-chip as the electroanalytical device. We used an inverse-ordered fabrication method from [...] Read more.
Here, we report on carbon nanotube paper-based electroanalytical devices. A highly aligned-carbon nanotube (HA-CNT) array, grown using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), was processed to form bi-layered paper with an integrated cellulose-based Origami-chip as the electroanalytical device. We used an inverse-ordered fabrication method from a thick carbon nanotube (CNT) sheet to a thin CNT sheet. A 200-layered HA-CNT sheet and a 100-layered HA-CNT sheet are explored as a working electrode. The device was fabricated using the following methods: (1) cellulose-based paper was patterned using a wax printer, (2) electrical connection was made using a silver ink-based circuit printer, and (3) three electrodes were stacked on a 2D Origami cell. Electrochemical behavior was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). We believe that this platform could attract a great deal of interest for use in various chemical and biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices for Point-of-Care Diagnostics)
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3418 KiB  
Article
Experimental Analysis of Porosity and Permeability in Pressed Paper
by Juhwan Park, Joong Ho Shin and Je-Kyun Park
Micromachines 2016, 7(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi7030048 - 14 Mar 2016
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 8271
Abstract
In this paper, we report an analysis of pressed paper in terms of porosity and permeability. Previously, we reported a pressed paper that exhibits decreased porosity and permeability. Additionally, its applications into programmed sample delivery as well as flow rate control were reported. [...] Read more.
In this paper, we report an analysis of pressed paper in terms of porosity and permeability. Previously, we reported a pressed paper that exhibits decreased porosity and permeability. Additionally, its applications into programmed sample delivery as well as flow rate control were reported. However, there is a need for a theoretical analysis of pressed paper in terms of porosity and permeability for a more precise design principle and its applications because porosity and permeability are important factors in determining fluidic behavior. Here, we propose a theoretical model for analyzing decreased porosity and permeability in pressed paper. Porosity and permeability of pressed paper were quantitatively calculated using experimental results with a theoretical model. Furthermore, based on the analyzed results of porosity and permeability in pressed paper, a porosity–permeability relationship was investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices for Point-of-Care Diagnostics)
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1666 KiB  
Article
Development of a Whole Blood Paper-Based Device for Phenylalanine Detection in the Context of PKU Therapy Monitoring
by Robert Robinson, Liam Wong, Raymond J. Monnat and Elain Fu
Micromachines 2016, 7(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi7020028 - 15 Feb 2016
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 7522
Abstract
Laboratory-based testing does not allow for the sufficiently rapid return of data to enable optimal therapeutic monitoring of patients with metabolic diseases such as phenylketonuria (PKU). The typical turn-around time of several days for current laboratory-based testing is too slow to be practically [...] Read more.
Laboratory-based testing does not allow for the sufficiently rapid return of data to enable optimal therapeutic monitoring of patients with metabolic diseases such as phenylketonuria (PKU). The typical turn-around time of several days for current laboratory-based testing is too slow to be practically useful for effective monitoring or optimizing therapy. This report describes the development of a rapid, paper-based, point-of-care device for phenylalanine detection using a small volume (40 μL) of whole blood. The quantitative resolution and reproducibility of this device with instrumented readout are described, together with the potential use of this device for point-of-care monitoring by PKU patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices for Point-of-Care Diagnostics)
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3775 KiB  
Article
Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase Detection on Paper-Based Analytical Devices with Inkjet Printer-Sprayed Reagents
by Hsiang-Li Wang, Chien-Hung Chu, Sing-Jyun Tsai and Ruey-Jen Yang
Micromachines 2016, 7(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi7010009 - 15 Jan 2016
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7292
Abstract
General biochemistry detection on paper-based microanalytical devices (PADs) uses pipette titration. However, such an approach is extremely time-consuming for large-scale detection processes. Furthermore, while automated methods are available for increasing the efficiency of large-scale PAD production, the related equipment is very expensive. Accordingly, [...] Read more.
General biochemistry detection on paper-based microanalytical devices (PADs) uses pipette titration. However, such an approach is extremely time-consuming for large-scale detection processes. Furthermore, while automated methods are available for increasing the efficiency of large-scale PAD production, the related equipment is very expensive. Accordingly, this study proposes a low-cost method for PAD manufacture, in which the reagent is applied using a modified inkjet printer. The optimal reaction times for the detection of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are shown to be 6 and 7 min, respectively, given AST and ALT concentrations in the range of 5.4 to 91.2 U/L (R2 = 0.9932) and 5.38 to 86.1 U/L (R2 = 0.9944). The experimental results obtained using the proposed PADs for the concentration detection of AST and ALT in real human blood serum samples are found to be in good agreement with those obtained using a traditional spectrophotometric detection method by National Cheng Kung University hospital. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices for Point-of-Care Diagnostics)
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4402 KiB  
Communication
Easily Fabricated Microfluidic Devices Using Permanent Marker Inks for Enzyme Assays
by Coreen Gallibu, Chrisha Gallibu, Ani Avoundjian and Frank A. Gomez
Micromachines 2016, 7(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi7010006 - 12 Jan 2016
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6158
Abstract
In this communication, we describe microfluidic paper analytical devices (μPADs) easily fabricated from commercially available Sharpie ink permanent markers on chromatography paper to colorimetrically detect glucose using glucose oxidase (GOx). Here, solutions of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), GOx, and potassium iodide (KI)were directly spotted [...] Read more.
In this communication, we describe microfluidic paper analytical devices (μPADs) easily fabricated from commercially available Sharpie ink permanent markers on chromatography paper to colorimetrically detect glucose using glucose oxidase (GOx). Here, solutions of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), GOx, and potassium iodide (KI)were directly spotted onto the center of the μPAD and flowed into samples of glucose that were separately spotted on the μPAD. Using an XY plotter (Roland DGA Corporation, Irvine, CA USA), several ink marks drawn in the paper act as the hydrophobic barriers, thereby, defining the hydrophilic fluid flow paths of the solutions. Two paper devices are described that act as independent assay zones. The glucose assay is based on the enzymatic oxidation of iodide to iodine whereby a color change from clear to brownish-yellow is associated with the presence of glucose. In these experiments, two designs are highlighted that consist of circular paper test regions fabricated for colorimetric and subsequent quantification detection of glucose. The use of permanent markers for paper patterning is inexpensive and rapid and does not require special laboratory equipment or technical skill. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices for Point-of-Care Diagnostics)
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