A Low-Cost, Disposable and Portable Inkjet-Printed Biochip for the Developing World
Kushal Joshi1, Vanessa Velasco2, Rahim Esfandyarpour1,3,4
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 8, 2020
Summary
We developed a low-cost method to fabricate electrowetting on dielectric-based digital microfluidic (EWOD-DMF) platforms using inkjet printing. This accessible technology enables portable diagnostics in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Point-of-Care Diagnostics
- Biochemical Assays
Background:
- Electrowetting on dielectric-based digital microfluidic (EWOD-DMF) platforms are crucial for point-of-care diagnostics.
- Conventional fabrication relies on expensive, time-consuming cleanroom processes, hindering accessibility in low-income countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a low-cost, simple fabrication procedure for EWOD-DMF electrode arrays.
- To enable EWOD-DMF platform manufacturing outside of cleanroom environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a commercial office inkjet printer for electrode array fabrication.
- Demonstrated droplet manipulation (moving and mixing) of reagents and buffers.
- Integrated the platform with smartphone imaging and a compact control system for a portable device.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated EWOD-DMF electrode arrays using inkjet printing without cleanroom facilities.
- Showcased the capability to move and mix various liquid droplets.
- Developed a portable, hand-held device for potential biochemical assays.
Conclusions:
- Inkjet-printed EWOD-DMF platforms offer a low-cost, accessible alternative for microfluidic device fabrication.
- This technology can significantly impact point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings.
- The developed portable device demonstrates potential for widespread application in biochemical testing.
