Abstract

Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices Using Commercially Available Printers

Andres Martinez, Associate Professor, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Paper-based microfluidic devices, also known as microPADs, are an emerging platform for the development of low-cost point-of-care diagnostics. Like conventional microfluidic devices, microPADs can manipulate and analyze small volumes of fluids. Paper-based devices are also portable, inexpensive to fabricate, simple to operate, and can complete an assay without relying on electrical power or supporting equipment. This talk will describe our work developing techniques for fabricating paper-based microfluidic devices, and for harnessing evaporation-driven capillary flow in paper-based devices to enable more sophisticated, multi-step assays with minimal user input.