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Vertical-flow tearable paper-tape rolls for scalable multiplexed point-of-care nucleic acid testing
Shaorui Shi1,2,3, Zhiying Wang4, Yongchao Yao1,3,5
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Microsystems & Nanoengineering
|April 7, 2026
Summary
A new vertical-flow paper-tape device offers power-free, low-cost diagnostics. This paper-based diagnostic platform achieves high sensitivity and specificity for infectious diseases like HIV, HBV, and HCV.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Diagnostics
Background:
- Paper substrates leverage capillary forces for power-free microfluidics.
- Conventional lateral flow (LF) systems have limitations in specificity, molecular distribution, and multiplexing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel vertical-flow paper-tape (VFPT) integrated device for improved diagnostics.
- To overcome limitations of traditional LF systems using engineered paper substrates and gravity-driven flow.
Main Methods:
- Engineered a gradient pore-size paper substrate for size-selective molecular transport.
- Replaced pre-patterned channels with gravity-driven flow for enhanced transport distance.
- Utilized a roll-to-roll fabrication process for scalable, low-cost production.
Main Results:
- Achieved detection limits of 200 copies/mL for HIV/HBV and 600 copies/mL for HCV.
- Demonstrated sensitivity and specificity exceeding 90.9% in 203 blinded clinical plasma samples.
- VFPT performance is comparable to PCR and superior to traditional paper-based diagnostics.
Conclusions:
- The VFPT device offers a user-friendly, accurate, and cost-effective solution for clinical diagnostics.
- This platform is suitable for resource-limited settings and customizable multiplexed detection.
- The innovative design enhances molecular transport and detection capabilities in paper-based diagnostics.
