Unveiling the potential of the capillary-driven microfluidic paper-based device integrated with smartphone-based for simultaneously colorimetric salivary ethanol and △9-tetrahydrocannabinol analysis

Abstract

Monitoring various biomarkers in saliva samples emerges as a dynamic and non-invasive method. However, the high viscosity of saliva presents a distinct challenge when integrating paper-based platforms for on-site analysis. In addressing this challenge, we introduced the capillary-driven microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μCD-PAD) designed for user-friendly and simultaneous detection of ethanol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in saliva without a sample preparation step. Employing a colorimetric approach, we quantified both analytes. Synthetic salivas of varying viscosity flowed seamlessly to the detection zone without needing a sample preparation step, and no impact on colorimetric detection due to viscosity was observed (RSD <5 %). Within 10 min after the solution reached the detection zone, the device produced a homogeneous color signal, easily analyzed by a smartphone camera. To extend the application for determination to cover a legal limit concentration of ethanol and concentration of salivary THC even 24 h after marijuana consumption, the detection time of 30 min was optimized. Moreover, a saliva sample containing both analytes was used to demonstrate the capability of the developed device to detect ethanol and THC simultaneously. No cross-talk between ethanol and THC occurred and showed recovery in the 98–102 % for ethanol and 95–105 % for THC with acceptable accuracy. This developed device exhibits excellent potential for forensic applications, providing a user-friendly, cost-effective, and real-time screening tool for detecting ethanol and THC in saliva.