Programmable paper-based microfluidics device with prefabricated patterns for prototyping of µPADs

Abstract

In this paper, a new programmable structure of paper-based analytical devices and its programming method are represented to be used for the purpose of rapid prototyping without involving the fabrication process. The proposed ready-to-program structure is prefabricated by the screen-printing method before rendering it to the end user. The users can prototype the device rapidly for their specific applications simply by programming the prefabricated device. The proposed programmable device is composed of three different layers patterned on the filter paper substrate including a hydrophobic barrier layer, a path-blocking layer and a heater network layer. The device programming procedure is totally electrical and it is implemented by applying proper DC voltages to several predetermined heater lines. This procedure is applicable manually or automatically using a programmer setup connected to a personal computer (PC). Therefore, the user can configure the device by selecting appropriate heater lines in a simple firmware through the PC. The proposed programmable structure is implemented in four different µPAD patterns for different applications. Biochemical assays of glucose, total protein and albumin are performed on the programmable devices to verify their applicability for bioassays.