Realization of Optimized Wax Laminated Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices

Abstract

Being an economical, simple, user-friendly on-field screening platform, microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have gained significant attention in the scientific community. Hitherto, μPADs were fabricated by patterning hydrophobic regions using photoresist, wax crayons, solid-ink, plotting-machine, cutting paper via laser and conventional table-top solid wax printer. However, most of these methods needed sophisticated and proprietary instruments, with a complicated process required to forms a hydrophobic barrier, and result in low resolution. In the present work, to prepare a μPAD using an inexpensive laminator to generate hydrophobic patterns of paraffin wax on cellulose paper has been demonstrated. Here, a predesigned mold coated with paraffin wax and a hot laminator to form an absolute hydrophobic wax pattern. The predesigned mold was created using a simple printing/copier paper followed by wax dip-ping. These fabricated μPADs have been characterized by selecting a suitable copier paper, with suitable density, as a predefined mold, and choosing optimized speed of roller and temperature of laminator. Finally, the fabricated μPAD has been exploited for viscosity measurement and colorimetric pH study of fluids. This low-cost, ergonomic and versatile wax lamination approach offers an excellent alternative to the current methods, and offers boundless opportunities for researchers from resource-constrained labs.

Fabrication of paper-based analytical devices by a laminating method with thermal ink ribbons, sticky notes, and office appliances

“…15,16 Other simple methodologies for PAD fabrication include spraying, 17,18 glue, 19 Parafilm,® 20 and wax laminating. 21 These simple methods enable everyone who would like to start the PAD experiments and their use in on-site analysis.…”

Miniaturized Disposable Buckypaper-Polymer Substrate Based Electrochemical Purine Sensing Platform

“…1,2 μFDs are fabricated using different material substrate such as paper, polymer, plastic that enable fluid flow control in microchannels which are not limited to the microchannel fabrication conventionally done using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). [3][4][5][6][7][8] Plastic and paper stands out to be most potential substrate for fabricating point-of-care devices that require being in contact with bodily fluid such as blood, serum and urine depending upon their biocompatibility, flexibility and ease of use. [9][10][11] The integration of μFDs with electrochemical analysis gives new capabilities and functionalities that enables detection of several compounds with high accuracy.…”