Paper-based colorimetric sensors for point-of-care testing

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Point-of-care testing (POCT) enhances patient management by enabling immediate on-site analysis.
• Paper-based colorimetric sensing is a rapidly developing analytical technique for detecting analytes via color changes.
• This method leverages paper's properties for creating affordable, user-friendly, and disposable analytical devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of paper-based colorimetric sensor development.
• To cover fundamental principles and categorize diverse applications of these sensors.
• To identify current challenges and future opportunities in the field.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on paper-based colorimetric sensors.
• Thematic organization of sensor development, fundamental aspects, and applications.
• Analysis of technological advancements and practical implementations.

Main Results:

• Paper-based sensors offer a low-cost, portable, and disposable alternative to traditional lab testing.
• Diverse applications demonstrated across various fields, highlighting versatility.
• Key challenges and promising future research directions identified.

Conclusions:

• Paper-based colorimetric sensors represent a significant advancement in accessible diagnostics.
• Continued research is crucial to overcome existing limitations and unlock full potential.
• This technology holds promise for revolutionizing healthcare delivery and diagnostics.