From Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices to Paper-Based Biofluidics with Integrated Continuous Perfusion.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) are facile tools for analytical and biomedical applications.
• Current μPADs lack continuous perfusion control, limiting their use in biofluidics fields like cell culturing and drug screening.
• Existing limitations hinder the full potential of paper-based devices in continuous flow applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a novel, low-cost, and compact platform for controlling continuous perfusion in μPADs.
• To overcome the limitations of existing μPADs for continuous flow applications.
• To enable μPADs for advanced biofluidic applications.

Main Methods:

• A novel platform was designed for continuous perfusion control of μPADs.
• The platform's components are primarily fabricated using a 3D desktop printer for accessibility.
• The system integrates 3D printed parts with μPADs to achieve controlled fluid flow.

Main Results:

• The developed platform successfully enables continuous perfusion in μPADs.
• The 3D printable nature of the platform ensures low cost and easy duplication.
• Demonstrated feasibility of μPADs for cell culturing and drug screening applications.

Conclusions:

• The novel platform significantly enhances the capabilities of μPADs for continuous flow biofluidics.
• The low-cost and accessible design promotes wider adoption of μPADs in research.
• μPADs, with controlled perfusion, show promise as effective platforms for cell culturing and drug screening.