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Updated: Jan 25, 2026
07:53
Using Adhesive Patterning to Construct 3D Paper Microfluidic Devices
Published on: April 1, 2016
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Using printer ink color to control the behavior of paper microfluidics
Joshua Potter1, Philip Brisk1, William H Grover2
1Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
Lab on a Chip
|May 4, 2019
Summary
Choosing specific wax ink colors, not just black, significantly improves barrier function in paper microfluidic devices. Magenta and certain color combinations offer superior fluid flow control for low-cost diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Paper microfluidic devices offer a low-cost, high-utility platform for various applications, including lateral flow assays.
- Commercial wax printers, like the Xerox ColorQube, are commonly used to fabricate these devices, with wax ink acting as a hydrophobic barrier.
- Researchers typically use only black ink, overlooking the potential of other colors and their combinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different wax ink colors and combinations on the barrier properties of paper microfluidic devices.
- To identify specific ink formulations that minimize barrier failures and enhance fluid control.
- To explore the use of color choices for novel functionalities in paper microfluidics.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of paper microfluidic devices using various single ink colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) and their combinations.
- Systematic testing of barrier integrity and fluid flow control for each printed color combination.
- Analysis of the relationship between ink deposition amount and barrier performance.
- Design and testing of a novel color-based antifuse structure.
Main Results:
- Black ink exhibited the highest rate of barrier failures, while magenta ink showed the fewest.
- Several color combinations (CY, MK, YK, CMY, CYK, MYK) demonstrated no barrier failures.
- A positive correlation was observed between the amount of ink deposited and the strength of the hydrophobic barrier.
- A new antifuse structure was successfully demonstrated using deliberate color choices.
Conclusions:
- The choice of ink color significantly influences the performance of paper microfluidic devices.
- Optimized color combinations can enhance barrier properties and enable new device functionalities.
- Guidelines for color selection can improve the design and reliability of paper-based microfluidic systems.
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