Abstract

Analytical Assays on Paper Platforms: As Simple as Possible

Daniel Citterio, Professor, Keio University

There is a continuously growing demand for analytical assays that can be performed on-site by minimally trained operators without the need for sophisticated laboratory equipment and reagent handling. In this context, (microfluidic) paper-based analytical devices (µ)PADs, including lateral-flow immunoassays (LFIAs), have gained significant attention, particularly for point-of-care testing in medical diagnostics. Over the past few years, we have demonstrated that certain analytical assays conventionally depending on benchtop instruments can be implemented into simple paper platforms not requiring any reagent handling. Examples include paper-based devices for the naked eye “calibration-free” colorimetric semiquantitative analysis of clinically relevant parameters that can be operated by minimally trained users with minimal risk of incorrect result misinterpretation. The presentation will also introduce one of our latest efforts towards boosting assay sensitivity on paper by adapting the CRISPR/Cas system to a paper-based analytical platform in the form of a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive detection method for non-nucleic acid targets by integrating CRISPR/Cas12a and an enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA).