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Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Microfluidic Applications for Disposable Diagnostics
Published on: February 3, 2008
Review of paper-based microfluidic analytical devices for in-field testing of pathogens
Wenliang Li1, Xuanye Ma1, Yang-Chun Yong2
1School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, Bedford, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Pathogens cause various infectious diseases and high morbidity and mortality which is a global public health threat. The highly sensitive and specific detection is of significant importance for the effective treatment and intervention to minimise the impact. However, conventional detection methods including culture and molecular method gravely depend on expensive equipment and well-trained skilled personnel, limiting in the laboratory. It remains challenging to adapt in resource-limiting areas, e.g., low and middle-income countries (LMICs). To this end, low-cost, rapid, and sensitive detection tools with the capability of field testing e.g., a portable device for identification and quantification of pathogens, has attracted increasing attentions. Recently, paper-based microfluidic analytical devices (μPADs) have shown a promising tool for rapid and on-site diagnosis, providing a cost-effective and sensitive analytical approach for pathogens detection. The fast turn-round data collection may also contribute to better understanding of the risks and insights on mitigation method. In this paper, critical developments of μPADs for in-field detection of pathogens both for clinical diagnostics and environmental surveillance are reviewed. The future development, and challenges of μPADs for rapid and onsite detection of pathogens are discussed, including using the cross-disciplinary development with, emerging techniques such as deep learning and Internet of Things (IoT).
Insights
Paper-based microfluidic analytical devices (μPADs) offer a low-cost, sensitive solution for pathogen detection. These portable tools are crucial for rapid, on-site diagnosis, especially in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Pathogen detection is vital for controlling infectious diseases, a major global health concern.
- Conventional methods are often lab-bound, expensive, and require skilled personnel, hindering use in resource-limited areas.
- There is a growing need for portable, low-cost, and rapid pathogen detection tools for field applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review critical developments in paper-based microfluidic analytical devices (μPADs) for in-field pathogen detection.
- To discuss the potential of μPADs for clinical diagnostics and environmental surveillance.
- To explore future advancements and challenges for μPADs in rapid, on-site pathogen detection.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on μPADs for pathogen detection.
- Analysis of μPAD applications in clinical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
- Discussion of emerging technologies like deep learning and IoT for enhancing μPAD capabilities.
Main Results:
- μPADs provide a cost-effective, sensitive, and rapid approach for pathogen identification and quantification.
- These devices facilitate on-site diagnosis and contribute to faster data collection for risk assessment.
- Integration with deep learning and IoT shows promise for future μPAD development.
Conclusions:
- μPADs are a promising technology for accessible, field-deployable pathogen detection.
- Further development is needed to overcome challenges and fully realize the potential of μPADs.
- Cross-disciplinary approaches, including AI and IoT, can significantly advance μPAD capabilities for global health security.
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