Low-cost fabrication of a paper-based microfluidic using a folded pattern paper

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) offer accessible point-of-care diagnostics, especially in resource-limited settings.
• Current fabrication methods for μPADs can be complex and costly, hindering widespread adoption.
• There is a need for simple, low-cost, and rapid fabrication techniques for μPADs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, simple, and low-cost fabrication method for microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs).
• To demonstrate the efficacy of the fabricated μPADs for colorimetric detection of melamine.
• To assess the potential of this fabrication strategy for point-of-care applications.

Main Methods:

• A novel fabrication technique using a folded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-coated paper mask to create a sandwich structure with chromatographic paper.
• PDMS was applied to the paper from both front and back sides and cured to form microchannels.
• Colorimetric detection of melamine in aqueous solutions and liquid milk using the fabricated μPADs.

Main Results:

• The developed method provides a simple, fast, and low-cost fabrication process for μPADs, requiring no specialized personnel.
• The μPADs demonstrated effective colorimetric detection of melamine with a detection limit of 0.1 ppm.
• The detection limit meets regulatory standards set by the USA and China, and is visible to the naked eye.

Conclusions:

• The novel PDMS-coated paper mask method offers a highly promising and attractive strategy for fabricating simple μPADs.
• This fabrication approach facilitates the development of cost-effective μPADs for diverse point-of-care applications.
• The demonstrated melamine detection highlights the utility of these μPADs for food safety and environmental monitoring.