Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
11:33
Fabrication of Three-dimensional Paper-based Microfluidic Devices for Immunoassays
Published on: March 9, 2017
Three-dimensional microfluidic devices fabricated in layered paper and tape
Andres W Martinez1, Scott T Phillips, George M Whitesides
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Summary
Researchers developed 3D paper-based microfluidic devices using stacked paper and tape. These inexpensive, pump-free devices can analyze multiple samples and analytes, ideal for healthcare and environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Conventional microfluidic devices often use glass or polymers, limiting their capabilities.
- Paper-based microfluidics offers unique fluid-wicking properties for sample distribution.
- Developing low-cost, portable analytical tools is crucial for distributed healthcare and environmental monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel method for fabricating three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic devices using layered paper and adhesive tape.
- To highlight the advantages of 3D paper-based microfluidics over conventional systems for analytical applications.
- To demonstrate a prototype device for multiplexed testing of samples and analytes.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D microfluidic devices by stacking patterned layers of paper and double-sided adhesive tape.
- Utilizing the intrinsic wicking properties of paper for fluid transport and sample distribution.
- Development of a prototype device for parallel testing of multiple samples against multiple analytes.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated functional 3D paper-based microfluidic devices.
- Demonstrated the ability of devices to wick fluids and distribute microliter sample volumes into thousands of detection zones.
- Showcased a prototype device capable of testing 4 samples for 4 analytes simultaneously with side-by-side result display.
Conclusions:
- 3D paper-based microfluidic devices offer unique capabilities for sample handling and analysis.
- The demonstrated fabrication method is simple, inexpensive, and suitable for mass production.
- These devices are highly appropriate for applications in resource-limited settings, such as distributed healthcare, environmental monitoring, and water analysis.
