Scientists have developed a novel and cost-effective technique for fabricating paper-based devices using an Advanced PAP (A-PAP) pen, which offers a practical alternative to conventional sensing methods that necessitate specialized equipment and expertise making it suitable for resource-limited settings.
In recent years, paper-based devices have gained more consideration as promising platforms for point-of-care diagnostics owing to the factors such as simplicity, cost-effectiveness, disposability, and mobility. There are various methods for fabricating paper-based devices such as inkjet printing, wax printing, laser treatment and correction pens. However, these fabrication processes typically entail the use of complex instruments, machinery or may require heating/drying steps which limits their accessibility in resource-limited settings.
Research group led by Dr. Bhanu Prakash at Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an institute of Department of Science and Technology, explored a new fabrication technique using a PAP pen that does not require any machinery or heating/drying steps and adopts a DIY approach.
Using the A-PAP pen, they have fabricated two-dimensional (2D) paper-based devices for chemical detection of heavy metal and nitrite. They have also demonstrated the versatility of fabrication technique for biological sensing using 2D lateral flow paper-based devices for the detection of dopamine. Furthermore, the technique is also validated for fabricating complex three-dimensional (3D) paper-based devices using a paper origami technique for heavy metals sensing. The ready-to-use devices can be fabricated in seconds, making them convenient for on-the-spot testing. Overall, this technique provides a valuable tool for creating affordable, efficient, and accessible chemical and biological testing solutions.
The device does not require any sophisticated instrumentation or a heating step, making it a promising technology for resource-limited settings. The paper-based devices fabricated are distinguished by rapid, simple, and cost-effective fabrication and the DIY approach offers a low-cost solution particularly beneficial for developing countries and remote areas.