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Scalable Methods for Device Patterning as an Outstanding Challenge in Translating Paper-Based Microfluidics from the Academic Benchtop to the Point-of-Care

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Abstract

Paper-based microfluidic devices offer unparalleled adaptability for the development of low-cost, point-of-care analytical tests. The potential for these devices to drastically improve access to healthcare around the globe is obvious, but very few tests have found success in clinical environments. Here, we identify manufacturing—specifically, methods to pattern paper devices at large scales—as a major barrier to translating prototype paper-based devices from the academic benchtop to the field. We introduce current methods used to pattern papers and discuss their utility as means to prototype and manufacture paper-based devices.

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Fig. 1

Adapted from The Immunoassay Handbook, O’Farrell B [19], Copyright (2013) with permission from Elsevier

Fig. 2

Adapted from [28] with permissions from John Wiley and Sons

Fig. 3

Adapted from [33] with permission from John Wiley and Sons. Adapted from [55] with permission from The Royal Society of Chemistry

Fig. 4

Adapted with permission from Olkkonen et al. [30], Copyright (2010) American Chemical Society

Fig. 5

Adapted from [63] with permission from The Royal Society of Chemistry

Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Adapted with permission from Amin et al. [66], Copyright (2017) American Chemical Society. Adapted with permission from [67]

Fig. 8

Adapted from [69] with permission of The Royal Society of Chemistry

Fig. 9

Adapted from [71] with permission from The Royal Society of Chemistry

Fig. 10

Adapted with permission from Carrilho et al. [74], Copyright (2009) American Chemical Society

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Tufts University.

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  1. Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA

    Jessica C. Brooks & Charles R. Mace

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  1. Jessica C. Brooks
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Correspondence to Charles R. Mace.

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Brooks, J.C., Mace, C.R. Scalable Methods for Device Patterning as an Outstanding Challenge in Translating Paper-Based Microfluidics from the Academic Benchtop to the Point-of-Care. J. Anal. Test. 3, 50–60 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41664-019-00093-0

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