A cost-effective Z-folding controlled liquid handling microfluidic paper analysis device for pathogen detection via...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microfluidic paper analysis devices (μPADs) are emerging as low-cost diagnostic tools.
• Controlling fluid flow and reagent delivery in μPADs remains a challenge for complex assays.
• Existing fabrication methods can be complex or expensive, limiting widespread adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective and easily fabricated μPAD with enhanced fluidic control.
• To demonstrate the utility of the Z-folding μPAD for pathogen detection via ATP quantification.
• To assess the performance of the μPAD for point-of-care testing (POCT) applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of μPADs using wax printing with a solid ink printer and subsequent baking to create hydrophobic barriers.
• Implementation of a Z-folding design to control fluidic flow and substrate transportation.
• Proof-of-principle application involving ATP quantification for pathogen detection, including Salmonella live cell detection.

Main Results:

• The Z-folding design effectively controlled fluidic flow and connected reagent zones.
• The μPAD achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 μM for ATP.
• The device demonstrated an LOD of 2.6×10^7 CFU/mL for Salmonella live cell detection.

Conclusions:

• The developed Z-folding μPAD is a cost-effective and simple-to-fabricate device.
• The μPAD shows significant potential for sensitive pathogen detection.
• This technology is well-suited for point-of-care testing (POCT) applications due to its ease of use and performance.