Abstract
In this paper, we present a simple yet smart electro-fluidic platform that enables automatic time control in a very affordable and simple manner. The system is based on the electric detection of a fluid front when it crosses a particular area of a paper strip. The detection can be used to trigger the sequential activation or deactivation of different electronic modules (heating of molecular diagnostics, time interval detection, or readout of test results) with an accuracy within the range of minutes. The whole system is implemented with a few number of discrete electronic components such as transistors, resistors and capacitors that, if required, can be totally fabricated using printed electronics technology. This platform opens new possible applications for paper-based point-of care (POC) diagnostic devices and enables the possibility of these devices to introduce time control functions without the need for any external instrumentation and human action.
Highlights
The development of portable point-of-care (POC) devices and lab-on-a-chip systems has become a field of interest in the recent years due to their capability to ease global health problems, in particular early diagnosis (Chin et al 2007; Sia and Kricka 2008)
Time control and sequence of events is performed with external timers that depend on human action, which increases errors during testing (Lewis et al 2012; Martinez et al 2008; Zhang et al 2014)
Physical realization of the built-up capacitors has been implemented by inkjet printing several pairs of gold electrodes of 10 mm × 1 mm with a separation of 300 μm on a Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrate
Summary
The development of portable point-of-care (POC) devices and lab-on-a-chip systems has become a field of interest in the recent years due to their capability to ease global health problems, in particular early diagnosis (Chin et al 2007; Sia and Kricka 2008). It is an acknowledged consensus that effective diagnosis at the point-of-care requires devices to be inexpensive, easy-to-use, rapid, and instrument-free (Zarei 2017). In this sense, microfluidic paper-based analytical devices based on colorimetric detection are one of the most promising candidates (Yetisen et al 2013). Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices based on colorimetric detection are one of the most promising candidates (Yetisen et al 2013) Their low cost, simplicity, and flexibility make them a solid starting point for the development of new solutions to affordable
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
