Handheld and 'Turnkey' 3D printed paper-microfluidic viscometer with on-board microcontroller for smartphone based
1MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics Lab, Department of Electronics and Electrical Science, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, India, 500078.
Analytica Chimica Acta
|March 14, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed 3D-printed Microfluidic Paper-based Analytical Devices (μPADs) for accurate viscosity measurements. These low-cost microfluidic devices can analyze biological samples, offering potential for personalized health monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microfluidic Paper-based Analytical Devices (μPADs) offer a low-cost platform for diagnostics.
- Traditional viscometry methods can be expensive and complex.
- There is a need for portable and accessible viscosity measurement tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and validate a 3D-printed μPAD for accurate viscosity measurements.
- To assess the device's performance with various biological samples.
- To evaluate the potential of μPADs as personalized diagnostic gadgets.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of μPADs using fused-deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing with polycaprolactone (PCL) on chromatography paper.
- Integration of screen-printed electrodes for automated fluid time measurement.
- Development of a smartphone-compatible electronic subsystem for data acquisition.
Main Results:
- The μPAD demonstrated >92% accuracy compared to a benchtop viscometer.
- The device successfully measured viscosity variations in protein denaturation (BSA, Lysozyme) and human saliva.
- Viscosity measurement range of 0.5 cP to 10 cP was achieved.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed μPADs provide a cost-effective and accurate solution for viscosity measurements.
- The developed device has potential for personalized, point-of-care viscosity-dependent analyses.
- Low platform cost (<$8) and per-test cost (<$0.02) highlight its accessibility.
