Origami microfluidic paper-analytical-devices (omPAD) for sensing and diagnostics.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Low-cost sensing and diagnostics are crucial for widespread accessibility.
• Paper-based analytical devices offer a promising platform due to their low cost and disposability.
• Existing methods often require expensive equipment or controlled environments, limiting point-of-care applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present novel 3D origami paper-based analytical devices (omPADs) for low-cost sensing and diagnostics.
• To demonstrate the integration of electrochemical and optical sensors on a single paper platform.
• To showcase a self-contained system with portable readout for point-of-care applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D origami paper-based analytical device (omPAD) with multiple electrochemical sensors and a sample reservoir.
• Development of an optical sensor array with integrated microfluidic channels for sample delivery.
• Utilized wax printing and screen-printing techniques for sensor fabrication under ambient conditions.
• Integrated custom CMOS potentiostat for electrochemical readout and consumer flatbed scanners for optical readout.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of a multi-sensor omPAD integrating electrochemical and optical sensing capabilities.
• Demonstrated low-cost fabrication using ambient condition printing techniques, avoiding cleanroom requirements.
• Validated readout using consumer-grade electronics (flatbed scanner) and a custom CMOS potentiostat.
• The integrated system proved to be a self-contained solution for sensing and diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D omPAD represents a significant advancement in low-cost, paper-based sensing.
• The system's integration of sensors, microfluidics, and portable readout facilitates point-of-care diagnostics.
• This approach offers a viable, accessible, and cost-effective alternative for various analytical applications.