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Using Adhesive Patterning to Construct 3D Paper Microfluidic Devices
Published on: April 1, 2016
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Broad Tuning of Paper Microfluidic Properties by Covalent Surface Modification for Precise Flow Control and Sensing
Canan Aksoy1,2, Ischa van Kesteren1, Han Zuilhof1,3
1Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University, Helix Building 124, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen 6708 WE, the Netherlands.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|April 17, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed modified paper for microfluidic paper-based devices (μPADs) to precisely control liquid flow. This innovation enhances on-site sensing and actuating capabilities for diverse analytical applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Microfluidic paper-based devices (μPADs) offer portable, lab-to-sample analysis via capillary-driven flow.
- Precise flow control in paper microfluidics remains a significant challenge, limiting advanced functionalities.
- Existing methods for flow control in paper are often difficult to integrate and precisely manage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple covalent modification method for cellulose paper to tune surface properties.
- To introduce advanced functionality and precise flow control for paper microfluidic applications.
- To demonstrate the potential of modified paper in on-site sensing and actuating devices.
Main Methods:
- Covalent modification of cellulose paper using fatty acyl chlorides of varying chain lengths.
- Characterization of modified paper using FTIR-ATR, static water contact angle, and capillary flow measurements (permeability, flow distance, flow rate).
- Development of proof-of-concept devices for surface tension measurement, multistep valving, ethanol concentration determination, and liquid-liquid extraction.
Main Results:
- Successful tuning of paper surface properties and capillary flow characteristics through covalent modification.
- Demonstrated precise control over liquid flow based on surface tension and wickability.
- Proof-of-concept devices showed effective application in surface tension measurement, multistep valving, ethanol sensing, and liquid-liquid extraction.
Conclusions:
- Simple covalent modification of cellulose paper offers a versatile approach to enhance μPAD functionality.
- Precisely controlled capillary flow enables advanced on-site analytical applications.
- This method provides a pathway for developing more sophisticated and reliable paper-based sensing platforms.
Keywords:
covalent functionalizationmicrofluidic paper-based analytical deviceson-site analytical devicespaper microfluidicspaper surface modificationpaper-based sensingMore Related Videos
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