Speaker
Description
Although microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices have revolutionized analytical chemistry and point-of-care diagnostics, their widespread adoption remains limited due to high manufacturing costs and the requirement for specialized fabrication equipment, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This study introduces an innovative, remarkably inexpensive technique for creating paper-based microfluidic devices by employing hydrophobic barrier materials on porous filter paper substrates with easily available household items. This approach is perfect for situations with limited resources, as it significantly reduces production expenses and enhances accessibility
Easy adoption and scalability are made possible by the fabrication technique, which allows accurate specification of microfluidic channels inside the porous media without the need for costly equipment or cleanroom facilities. One significant breakthrough that streamlines the production process without sacrificing functional integrity is the use of everyday household items as hydrophobic agents. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for thorough characterisation in order to examine surface morphology and verify the development of distinct hydrophobic barriers. In order to evaluate the structural integrity and fluidic behaviour of the channels, porosity tests were also carried out on both treated hydrophobic sections and untreated filter paper.
Excellent hydrophobic barrier development with clear, sharp channel borders is shown by the results. Significant variations in surface morphology between hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions—which are essential for regulated capillary-driven fluid flow—were found by the SEM examination. The devices' constant and predictable fluid dynamics were made possible by their uniform coating morphology. These microfluidic devices made from paper showcased functional effectiveness by reaching flow rates suitable for analytical applications, even with their low material expenses. The platform's economic benefit is illustrated by the reality that the cost per device is many times lower than that of conventional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic devices.
This technology fills a vital demand for accessible and reasonably priced analytical chemistry platforms and diagnostic tools, especially in resource-constrained environments. It is a desirable option for point-of-care testing applications due to its robust performance, low cost, and simplicity of production.. In order to further improve device performance and utility, future work will integrate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling to optimise channel shapes and flow characteristics customised for certain analytical tasks.
This paper-based microfluidic platform provides a useful substitute for conventional microfabrication methods by fusing ease of use, affordability, and dependable fluidic control. It has the potential to greatly increase the scope of diagnostic technologies.