Paper-Based Vertical Flow Assays for in Vitro Diagnostics and Environmental Monitoring

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (microPADs) are powerful tools for diagnostic and environmental monitoring. Being affordable and portable, microPADs enable rapid detection of small molecules, heavy metals, and biomolecules, thereby decentralizing diagnostics and expanding biosensor accessibility. However, the reliance on two-dimensional fluid flow restricts the utility of conventional microPADs, presenting challenges for applications that require simultaneous multibiomarker analysis from a single sample. Vertical flow paper-based analytical devices (VF-microPADs) overcome this challenge by allowing axial fluid movement through paper stacks, offering several advantages, including (1) enhanced multiplexing capabilities, (2) reduced hook effect for improved accuracy, and (3) shorter assay times. This review provides an overview of VF-microPADs technologies, exploring structural and functional performance trade-offs between VF-microPADs and conventional lateral flow systems. The sensing performance, fabrication methods, and applications in in vitro diagnostics and environmental monitoring are discussed. Furthermore, critical challenges─such as fabrication complexity, data analysis, and scalability─are addressed, along with proposed strategies for mitigating these barriers to facilitate broader adoption. By examining these strengths and challenges, this review presents the potential of VF-microPADs to advance point-of-care testing, particularly in resource-limited settings.