Abstract
We report using an airbrush to pattern a number of reagents, including small molecules, proteins, DNA, and conductive microparticles, onto a variety of mechanical substrates such as paper and glass. Airbrushing is more economical and easier to perform than many other patterning methods available (for example, inkjet printing). In this work, we investigated the controllable parameters that affect patterned line width and studied their mechanisms of action, and we provide examples of possible patterns. This airbrushing approach allowed us to pattern lines and dot arrays from hundreds of μm to tens of mm with length scales comparable to those of other patterning methods. Two applications, enzymatic assays and DNA hybridization, were chosen to demonstrate the compatibility of the method with biomolecules. This airbrushing method holds promise in making paper-based platforms less expensive and more accessible.
Highlights
The high cost of medical diagnostics and the importance of detecting infectious diseases in a timely, cost-effective manner have increased the importance of point-of-care (POC) testing
We describe our efforts in patterning a number of reagents, including small molecules, proteins, DNA, and conductive microparticles, onto a variety of mechanical substrates such as paper and glass
Before the demonstration of airbrushing small molecules, proteins, and DNA onto paper and glass, we studied a range of airbrushing parameters and their effects on line width
Summary
The high cost of medical diagnostics and the importance of detecting infectious diseases in a timely, cost-effective manner have increased the importance of point-of-care (POC) testing. DNA and protein microarrays are very powerful and have the potential to become useful methods for detection and diagnosis of disease in POC settings[5,6,7]. In all of these cases, small volumes of reagents must be deposited onto a mechanical substrate such as paper, glass (for example, microscope slide), or plastic in a consistent, uniform, and reproducible manner. Purpose-built piezoelectric printers or similar items are used to accomplish the task of dispensing reagents They have high resolution and they are fast, accurate, and reproducible. Available microarray instruments have a price ranging from $30 000 to $100 0008, and they are generally limited to specialized laboratories
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