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Thermally actuated wax valves for paper-fluidic diagnostics.
Elizabeth A Phillips1, Rui Shen1, Siyu Zhao1
1Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. jlinnes@purdue.edu.
Lab on a Chip
|October 11, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed novel wax-ink valves for paper-fluidic diagnostics, enabling precise control over reagent delivery. These tunable valves enhance bacterial detection and expand the capabilities of paper-based diagnostic assays.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Current paper-fluidic diagnostic devices face limitations in controlling reagent incubation and delivery.
- Enhanced fluidic control is needed to expand the range of bioassays in porous membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the rapid fabrication of tunable, thermally actuated wax-ink valves for porous membranes.
- To demonstrate the utility of these valves in improving paper-fluidic diagnostic assays.
Main Methods:
- Wax-ink valves of varying widths were printed onto nitrocellulose and cellulose membranes.
- The valves' ability to obstruct and release fluid wicking was characterized.
- A traditional lateral flow immunoassay was modified using these valves.
Main Results:
- Tunable wax-ink valves were successfully fabricated and demonstrated triggered fluid obstruction and release.
- The modified lateral flow immunoassay showed a 6-fold enhancement in bacterial detection signal intensity.
- Valves enabled sustained reaction times and sequential fluid delivery with minimal user intervention.
Conclusions:
- Easily fabricated wax-ink valves offer versatile fluidic control for paper-fluidic devices.
- These valves are crucial for developing more sensitive and autonomous paper-based diagnostics.
- The technology has broad applicability for various paper fluidic assays requiring precise fluid management.
