Printed two-dimensional micro-zone plates for chemical analysis and ELISA

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Traditional micro-zone plates often involve complex fabrication or limitations in portability and sample handling.
• Existing methods for creating multi-zone patterns on paper can be restrictive.
• There is a need for cost-effective, portable platforms for chemical and biochemical assays, including ELISA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a new, low-cost method for fabricating two-dimensional micro-zone plates.
• To demonstrate the utility of these plates for various chemical and biochemical assays, including ELISA.
• To highlight the advantages of the novel printing technique for portable analytical devices.

Main Methods:

• A UV-curable varnish was printed onto a polymer film to create a multi-zone pattern.
• Fine powders (e.g., cellulose) were applied to the uncured varnish and then UV-cured, forming porous, water-absorbing micro-zones.
• The fabricated plates were tested for chemical interference analysis (NO2-/uric acid) and ELISA performance.

Main Results:

• The novel printing method successfully created functional micro-zone plates with excellent liquid handling capacity.
• The plates prevented inter-zone sample leaking due to the spacing of porous micro-zones on a non-porous substrate.
• The plates demonstrated effective performance in both chemical interference studies and ELISA assays.

Conclusions:

• This new fabrication technique offers a versatile and low-cost approach to producing portable micro-zone plates.
• The ability to print different or functionalized powders allows for tailored micro-zone properties.
• These plates are suitable for a range of low-volume chemical and biochemical analyses, including ELISA, with potential for easy analysis using colorimetric or transmission methods.