Paper-Based Microfluidic Sensors for Onsite Environmental Detection: A Critical Review
Daohong Zhang1,2, Chaocan Li1,2, Dongli Ji1,2
1School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, China.
Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry
|March 4, 2021
Summary
Fabricated paper-based microfluidic sensors offer a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative for onsite environmental detection. These advanced sensors provide precise measurements without pollution risks, unlike traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Paper-based microfluidic sensors are a novel technology for chemical analysis.
- Traditional methods often involve high costs and environmental concerns.
- Early developments date back to 2007, with increasing interest in recent years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and applications of paper-based microfluidic sensors.
- To highlight their advantages for environmental monitoring.
- To discuss future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of fabricated paper-based microfluidic sensors.
- Analysis of their application in environmental detection.
- Comparison with existing detection methodologies.
Main Results:
- Paper-based microfluidic sensors enable precise, quantitative, and semi-quantitative onsite measurements.
- These sensors are cost-effective, easy to operate, and environmentally friendly.
- Growing adoption in environmental monitoring beyond clinical applications.
Conclusions:
- Paper-based microfluidic sensors represent a significant advancement in low-cost environmental detection.
- Their eco-friendly nature and operational simplicity make them ideal for onsite analysis.
- Further research can expand their capabilities and applications in environmental science.
