A 3D sliding-strip microfluidic device for the simultaneous determination of multiple target analytes

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Multiplexed detection is crucial for complex sample analysis.
• Traditional methods often involve multiple steps and risk contamination.
• Paper-based microfluidic devices offer low-cost, portable analytical solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, integrated paper-based microfluidic device for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes.
• To design a device that minimizes cross-contamination and non-specific adsorption.
• To evaluate the device's performance for environmental and biochemical targets.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a single-layer moving sliding PAD (SPAD) for flow control.
• Integration with a folding origami PAD (OPAD) for analyte testing.
• Simultaneous detection of Fe(III), Ni(II), Cr(VI), and nitrite in various solutions.

Main Results:

• The developed μPAD successfully detected multiple targets simultaneously.
• Achieved limits of detection (LOD) as low as 0.28 mg/L for nitrite and 0.35 mg/L for Cr(VI).
• Demonstrated high stability with less than 7% deviation compared to conventional methods (ICP-OES, UV).

Conclusions:

• The 3D origami-based μPAD provides a facile, contamination-free platform for multiplexed analysis.
• This technology shows significant potential for applications in environmental monitoring, biochemical analysis, and food testing.
• The integrated SPAD and OPAD design offers enhanced stability and broad applicability.