A novel combination of quick response code and microfluidic paper-based analytical devices for rapid and quantitative...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) offer low-cost diagnostic potential but often require external equipment.
• Existing methods for paper-based diagnostics can lack precise timing, impacting accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a device-independent detection method for cholesterol using timer-paper-based analytical devices (tPADs).
• To enable smartphone-based testing for rapid, accurate, and low-cost diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized wax printing to create patterns on filter paper for tPAD fabrication.
• Immobilized colorimetric and enzyme reagents within hydrophilic channels for cholesterol detection.
• Integrated Quick Response (QR) codes as a timer component for self-clocking the detection process.
• Quantified liquid volume by monitoring fluid residence time within the cellulose network.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated accurate, quantitative cholesterol detection through precise monitoring of colorimetric reaction time.
• Established a linear calibration curve range of 3.0–6.0 mmol L⁻¹ with a correlation coefficient of 0.9956.
• Validated the tPADs as a simple, low-cost, and accurate tool for rapid substance detection.

Conclusions:

• Developed a novel tPAD system that integrates a QR code timer for self-clocking, eliminating the need for external equipment.
• The tPADs offer a user-friendly, cost-effective, and accurate platform for rapid cholesterol detection.
• This technology holds promise for the detection of various analytes in point-of-care settings.