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A cost-effective and facile technique for realizing fabric based microfluidic channels using beeswax and PVC stencils
Lingadharini P1, Aditya Shirsat1, Prathamesh Gardi1
1Department of Sensor and Biomedical Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India. debashis.maji@vit.ac.in.
Summary
Researchers developed a novel, low-cost method for creating fabric-based microfluidic diagnostic devices (μFADs). This technique uses simple masking and beeswax to fabricate channels for wearable healthcare monitoring, enabling easy glucose detection.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Wearable healthcare monitoring systems require advanced microfluidic devices.
- Fabric-based microfluidic devices offer potential for next-generation diagnostics.
- Conventional fabrication methods have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile and practical method for fabricating fabric-based microfluidic channels (μFADs).
- To explore the use of PVC clear sheets and beeswax for μFAD fabrication.
- To demonstrate the application of these μFADs in a colorimetric glucose detection assay.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of microfluidic channels on cotton fabric using PVC stencils and beeswax as hydrophobic barriers.
- Comparative analysis of different masking tools and wax materials.
- Investigation of microchannel, microwell, and micromixer designs.
- Development of a colorimetric glucose assay using fabricated microwells.
Main Results:
- Achieved a minimum channel width resolution of 500 μm on cotton fabric.
- Successfully confined organic and inorganic samples in beeswax-based microwells.
- Demonstrated effective glucose detection from 10 mM to 50 mM with significant color variation.
Conclusions:
- The PVC clear sheet-beeswax technique provides a low-cost, practical alternative for fabricating fabric-based diagnostic devices (μFADs).
- This method is suitable for creating complex microfluidic designs for wearable healthcare applications.
- The developed μFADs show promise for simple and accessible diagnostic assays.
