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Capillary-based Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for Size-controllable Formation of Monodisperse Microdroplets
Published on: February 22, 2016
Metering the capillary-driven flow of fluids in paper-based microfluidic devices
1Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
Analytical Chemistry
|April 24, 2010
Summary
Researchers developed a simple, low-cost method to control fluid flow rates in 3D microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (microPADs). This technique precisely meters liquid movement, enhancing multi-step assays and simultaneous result display for point-of-care diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microfluidics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- 3D microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (microPADs) offer potential for point-of-care diagnostics.
- Existing microPADs lack precise control over fluid flow rates, limiting complex assay development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a simple, low-cost method for metering capillary-driven fluid flow in 3D microPADs.
- To enable precise temporal control over fluid distribution within microfluidic devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized paraffin wax to create metering regions within 3D microPADs.
- Investigated the control of fluid wicking times and distribution into detection zones.
Main Results:
- Achieved precise time delays in fluid delivery to detection zones (+/-6% of total wicking time).
- Demonstrated an inexpensive and easily fabricated method for flow rate control.
Conclusions:
- The developed method offers precise control over fluid distribution rates in 3D microPADs.
- This advancement is valuable for multi-step point-of-care assays and simultaneous multi-analyte detection.
