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Using Adhesive Patterning to Construct 3D Paper Microfluidic Devices
Published on: April 1, 2016
A low-cost, simple, and rapid fabrication method for paper-based microfluidics using wax screen-printing
Wijitar Dungchai1, Orawon Chailapakul, Charles S Henry
1Electrochemical Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
The Analyst
|September 28, 2010
Summary
Wax screen-printing offers a simple, low-cost method for creating paper-based microfluidic devices (µPADs). This technique enables rapid fabrication of hydrophobic barriers for diagnostics, particularly beneficial for developing countries.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Paper-based microfluidic devices (µPADs) are valuable for low-cost diagnostics.
- Traditional fabrication methods can be expensive and complex.
- A need exists for accessible and rapid µPAD fabrication techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and optimize wax screen-printing as a method for fabricating µPADs.
- To compare wax screen-printing with photolithography for µPAD fabrication.
- To demonstrate the utility of wax screen-printed µPADs for multiplexed diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Solid wax was screen-printed onto paper filters and melted to create hydrophobic barriers.
- Optimization of heating temperature, time, and line width was performed.
- Fabricated channels were characterized for minimum feature size and compared to photolithography using BCA/Cu(1+) assay.
- Simultaneous determination of glucose and iron in serum was conducted using electrochemical and colorimetric methods.
Main Results:
- Optimized wax screen-printing achieved minimum hydrophilic channel width of 650 µm and hydrophobic barrier width of 1300 µm.
- Wax screen-printed channels exhibited significantly lower background reactivity compared to photolithographically defined channels.
- Successful simultaneous detection of glucose and total iron in human serum samples was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Wax screen-printing is a viable, inexpensive, and rapid alternative for µPAD fabrication.
- The method is particularly suitable for resource-limited settings and developing countries.
- This technique facilitates the development of accessible diagnostic tools.
