Microfluidic PDMS on paper (POP) devices

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a generalized concept of microfluidic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on paper (POP) devices, which combines well the merits of paper chips and PDMS chips. First, we optimized the conditions for accurate PDMS spatial patterning on paper, based on screen printing and a high temperature enabled superfast curing technique, which enables PDMS patterning to an accuracy of tens of microns in less than ten seconds. This, in turn, makes it available for seamless, reversible and reliable integration of the resulting paper layer with other PDMS channel structures. The integrated POP devices allow for both porous paper and smooth channels to be spatially defined on the devices, greatly extending the flexibility for designers to be able to construct powerful functional structures. To demonstrate the versatility of this design, a prototype POP device for the colorimetric analysis of liver function markers, serum protein, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), was constructed. On this POP device, quantitative sample loading, mixing and multiplex analysis have all been realized.