Sustainable Sensing with Paper Microfluidics: Applications in Health, Environment, and Food Safety.
Sanjay Kumar1, Jyoti Bala Kaushal2, Heow Pueh Lee3
1Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Scott Campus, Omaha, NE 68182-0816, USA.
Biosensors
|June 26, 2024
Summary
Paper microfluidics offer sustainable sensing solutions for healthcare and environmental monitoring. These affordable, biodegradable platforms enable rapid, on-site detection of contaminants, benefiting resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Paper microfluidics utilize the unique properties of paper for developing low-cost, portable sensing devices.
- These platforms are increasingly important for applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of paper microfluidic technology.
- To highlight sustainable sensing applications and their potential impact.
- To discuss fabrication, principles, and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on paper microfluidics.
- Analysis of fabrication techniques including printing, photolithography, and wax printing.
- Examination of diverse sensing applications and detection mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Paper-based sensors demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity for detecting various analytes.
- Biodegradability and affordability make them suitable for widespread use, especially in resource-limited areas.
- Successful implementation in pathogen detection, pollutant monitoring, and food safety analysis.
Conclusions:
- Paper microfluidics represent a sustainable and cost-effective approach for point-of-care diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
- Further research can enhance sensor performance and expand applications.
- This technology holds significant promise for improving global health and environmental sustainability.
