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A novel method for fabrication of paper-based microfluidic devices using BSA-ink
Sunil Walia1, Ira Bhatnagar2, Juewen Liu3
1Micro & Nano-scale Transport Laboratory, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, Department of Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|November 14, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed affordable paper-based microfluidic devices using bovine serum albumin (BSA) ink. This method creates hydrophobic barriers for applications like glucose sensing with high sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Paper-based microfluidic devices offer low-cost diagnostics.
- Fabricating precise hydrophobic barriers on paper remains a challenge.
- Biopolymers present potential for creating functional microfluidic components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, cost-effective method for fabricating paper-based microfluidic devices.
- To utilize bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a key component for creating hydrophobic barriers.
- To demonstrate the utility of these devices in a proof-of-concept glucose sensing application.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of microfluidic channels using a pen plotter with a 20% aqueous BSA solution on filter paper.
- Inducing hydrophobic barrier formation through thermal denaturation of BSA at 80°C.
- Addressing the coffee ring effect using NanoCheck-ATH® biopolymer for improved sensing.
- Performing glucose concentration detection with a limit of detection (LOD) estimation.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of paper-based microfluidic devices with BSA-based hydrophobic barriers.
- Achieved minimum line gap of ~1 mm and line width of ~1.3 mm.
- Demonstrated proof-of-concept glucose sensing with an LOD as low as 0.2 mg/mL.
- Validated the effectiveness of NanoCheck-ATH® in mitigating the coffee ring effect.
Conclusions:
- BSA offers a viable, inexpensive material for creating hydrophobic barriers in paper microfluidics.
- The developed fabrication technique is reproducible, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
- This approach enables sensitive glucose detection and holds promise for low-cost diagnostic tools.
