Inkjet-printed barcodes for a rapid and multiplexed paper-based assay compatible with mobile devices

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biosensors
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Traditional diagnostic methods can be slow, expensive, and require specialized equipment.
• There is a need for rapid, low-cost, and portable diagnostic tools for on-site testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, rapid, low-cost, and multiplexed barcoded paper-based assay (BPA) compatible with mobile devices.
• To enhance coding capacity for multiplexed detection using novel barcodes and a dedicated mobile application.
• To demonstrate the BPA system's utility in detecting drug residues and other analytes.

Main Methods:

• Mass-manufacturing of barcoded paper-based analytical devices (BPADs) using inkjet printing and XYZ dispensing.
• Design of a new barcode group with significantly higher coding capacity compared to standard codes.
• Development of a mobile application for efficient reading and interpretation of the new barcodes.
• Validation of the BPA system for drug residue detection, specifically enrofloxacin (ENR).

Main Results:

• Achieved high precision and efficiency in BPAD mass-manufacturing.
• The new barcodes demonstrated 16 times higher coding capacity than Codabar.
• The BPA system enabled complete detection and result readout within 10 minutes.
• The limit of detection for ENR was 8 ng mL^-1, meeting monitoring requirements.

Conclusions:

• The developed BPA system is simple, rapid, low-cost, robust, and multiplexed.
• The system's high coding capacity and mobile compatibility make it suitable for various applications, including blood-transmitted infections and drug residue monitoring.
• The BPA system is highly suitable for rapid and on-site detection due to its efficiency and selectivity.