Abstract

Printed Electronics Integrated with Paper Based Microfluidics – New Methodologies for Next Generation Healthcare

Gareth Jenkins, Professor, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications

New solutions are required for the development of low cost, yet highly functional diagnostic systems to meet the challenges faced by modern global healthcare. The great potential of Lab-on-a-Chip in this area can only be realized through innovation in manufacturing methodologies. Conventional techniques do not scale well to the volumes and diversity of devices required in the healthcare sector. In this talk, we present new methods to address such needs through the integration of paper based microfluidics with printable electronics to form low cost, yet highly functional diagnostic devices. In particular, the development of inkjet printable formulations of hydrogels, which exploit their characteristic phase changing behavior, is shown as a novel means to realize high resolution paper based microfluidic devices. Printed electrochemical sensing electrodes are also integrated into the device to demonstrate the concept of fully printable, highly functional, yet low cost devices suitable for use in healthcare applications. We believe such an approach will be of great value for the production of highly sensitive and quantitative tests which can be used at the point of care and are fully disposable.