Seamless Integration of Laser-Induced Papertronics with Parafilm-Based Microfluidics as a Versatile Paper-Based...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science: Development of novel paper-based electronic and microfluidic devices.
• Analytical Chemistry: Advancing electroanalytical techniques for on-site sensing applications.
• Sustainability: Focus on renewable materials to reduce electronic waste in diagnostics.

Background:

• Nonrenewable materials in current point-of-care (PoC) electroanalysis contribute significantly to electronic waste.
• Paper offers a sustainable, renewable alternative substrate for electroanalytical platforms.
• Integration challenges exist between paper-based electronics and microfluidics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and integrate laser-induced electronic components and Parafilm-based microfluidics on a single paper sheet.
• To develop a versatile electroanalytical platform (μPLIG) for both aqueous and organic systems.
• To establish a cost-effective and environmentally friendly platform for on-site sensing.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of laser-induced graphite (PLIG) by laser treatment of cellulose paper for conductive pathways.
• Patterning of microfluidic channels by hot-pressing hydrophobic Parafilm onto hydrophilic cellulose paper (paper-para).
• Integration of PLIG electronics and paper-para microfluidics into a monolithic device (μPLIG).

Main Results:

• Successfully created conductive pathways and electronic components on paper using laser-induced papertronics.
• Developed paper-para microfluidic channels with submillimeter resolution (∼0.45 mm) compatible with various solvents.
• Demonstrated integrated μPLIG platform for pH sensing (-40.3 mV pH⁻¹), lactate biosensing (0.92 μA mM⁻¹), and Vitamin D3 detection (5-65 μM).

Conclusions:

• The integrated μPLIG platform offers a versatile, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for electroanalysis.
• This approach effectively combines paper-based LIG electronics and Parafilm-based microfluidics on a single disposable substrate.
• The developed platform shows significant potential for diverse sensor applications in both aqueous and organic media, reducing e-waste.