Recent Advances In the development of enzymatic paper-based microfluidic biosensors

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) are gaining prominence due to their affordability, portability, and ease of use.
• Enzymes are frequently employed as bioactive agents in μPADs, leveraging their catalytic properties for sensitive detection.
• Existing research highlights the diversity in enzymatic μPAD design, fabrication, and detection strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of the advancements in enzymatic μPADs.
• To critically analyze various fabrication and detection methodologies for enzymatic μPADs.
• To discuss techniques for the mass production of enzymatic μPADs for widespread application.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on enzymatic μPADs, focusing on fabrication and detection techniques.
• Categorization of fabrication methods into printable and non-printable approaches.
• Analysis of state-of-the-art technologies, including fully printed enzymatic μPADs.

Main Results:

• Enzymatic μPADs offer high selectivity and sensitivity for various analytical tasks.
• Printable fabrication methods are key for rapid, low-cost, and mass production of μPADs.
• Significant potential exists for enzymatic μPADs in medicine, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and food safety.

Conclusions:

• Enzymatic μPADs represent a versatile platform with significant potential for point-of-care diagnostics and field testing.
• Optimization of fabrication and detection methods is crucial for realizing the full potential of mass-produced μPADs.
• Further development in fully printed enzymatic μPADs promises enhanced accessibility and affordability.