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Technical aspects and challenges of colorimetric detection with microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) -
Giorgio Gianini Morbioli1, Thiago Mazzu-Nascimento2, Amanda M Stockton3
1Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-carlense, 400, 13566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Bioanalítica, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil; School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
Abstract:
Paper-based devices are a leading alternative among the main analytical tools for point-of-care testing, due to their portability, low-cost, and ease-of-use. Colorimetric readouts are the most common method of detection in these microfluidic devices, enabling qualitative, semi-quantitative and fully quantitative analysis of multiple analytes. There is a multitude of ways to obtain a colorimetric output in such devices, including nanoparticles, dyes, redox and pH indicators, and each has unique drawbacks and benefits. There are also multiple variables that impact the analysis of colorimetric reactions in microfluidic paper-based systems, including color homogeneity, image capture methods, and the data handling itself. Here, we present a critical review of recent developments and challenges of colorimetric detection on microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs), and present thoughts and insights towards future perspectives in the area to improve the use of colorimetric readouts in conjunction with μPADs.