Three-Dimensional Paper-Based Microfluidic Analysis Device for Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Biomarkers with a...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Paper-based microfluidic analysis devices (μPADs) are cost-effective for diagnostics but often limited in multiplexing capabilities.
• Three-dimensional (3D)-μPADs offer improved performance, yet require development for simultaneous multi-biomarker detection for accurate disease diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a 3D-μPAD platform for the simultaneous detection of multiple disease-related biomarkers.
• To enable analysis and diagnosis of these biomarkers using a smartphone-based application.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 3D-μPADs using 3D digital light processing printing.
• Design includes a sample reservoir connected to 24 detection zones via microchannels.
• Integration with a smartphone application for biomarker quantification.

Main Results:

• The platform successfully detected eight different biomarkers (glucose, cholesterol, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, AST, ALT, urea nitrogen) across a range of clinically relevant concentrations.
• Detection ranges included normal to abnormal levels for each biomarker.
• Demonstrated simultaneous detection capability of multiple biomarkers.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D-μPAD platform facilitates simultaneous multi-biomarker detection.
• This technology shows significant potential as a point-of-care testing (POCT) platform for comprehensive disease diagnosis.