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Laminated paper-based analytical devices (LPAD): fabrication, characterization, and assays

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Abstract

Paper-based microfluidic devices have recently garnered an increasing interest in the literature. The majority of these devices were produced by patterning hydrophobic zones in hydrophilic paper via photoresist or wax. Others were created by cutting paper using a laser. Here, we present a fabrication method for producing devices by simple craft-cutting and lamination, in a way similar to making an identification (ID) card. The method employs a digital craft cutter and roll laminator to produce laminated paper-based analytical devices (LPAD). Lamination with a plastic backing provides the mechanical strength for a paper device. The approach of using a craft cutter and laminator makes it possible to rapid-prototype LPAD with no more difficulty than producing a typical ID card, at very low cost. Devices constructed using this method have been exploited for simultaneous detection of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and glucose in synthetic urine with colorimetric assays. Both BSA and glucose are detectable at clinically relevant concentrations, with the detection limit at 2.5 μM for BSA and 0.5 mM for glucose.

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Acknowledgments

This work is supported in part by National Science Foundation (OISE-0968313) via the Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE) program that is led by Dr. Ranga Narayanan at the University of Florida. We thank Dr. Wei Liu for helpful discussion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Interdisciplinary Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, P.O. Box 116250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Christopher L. Cassano & Z. Hugh Fan

  2. J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, P.O. Box 116131, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Z. Hugh Fan

  3. Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117200, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Z. Hugh Fan

Authors
  1. Christopher L. Cassano
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  2. Z. Hugh Fan
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Correspondence to Z. Hugh Fan.

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Cassano, C.L., Fan, Z.H. Laminated paper-based analytical devices (LPAD): fabrication, characterization, and assays. Microfluid Nanofluid 15, 173–181 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-013-1140-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-013-1140-x

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