Electrochemical Sensing in Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices

Zhihong Nie, Harvard University
Christian A. Nijhuis, Harvard University
Jinlong Gong, Harvard University
Xin Chen, Harvard University
Alexander Kumachev, University of Toronto
Andres W. Martinez, Harvard University
Max Narovlyansky, Harvard University
George M. Whitesides, Harvard University

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Copyright © 2010 Royal Society of Chemistry. The definitive version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/B917150A.

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Andres W. Martinez was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.

Abstract

This paper describes the fabrication and the performance of microfluidic paper-based electrochemical sensing devices (we call the microfluidic paper-based electrochemical devices, μPEDs). The μPEDs comprise paper-based microfluidic channels patterned by photolithography or wax printing, and electrodes screen-printed from conducting inks (e.g., carbon or Ag/AgCl). We demonstrated that the μPEDs are capable of quantifying the concentrations of various analytes (e.g., heavy-metal ions and glucose) in aqueous solutions. This low-cost analytical device should be useful for applications in public health, environmental monitoring, and the developing world.