Quantifying colorimetric assays in paper-based microfluidic devices by measuring the transmission of light through paper.
This article describes a point-of-care (POC) system--comprising a microfluidic, paper-based analytical device (micro-PAD) and a hand-held optical colorimeter--for quantifying the concentration of analytes in biological fluids. The micro-PAD runs colorimetric assays, and consists of paper that has been (i) patterned to expose isolated regions of hydrophilic zones and (ii) wet with an index-matching fluid (e.g., vegetable oil) that is applied using a disposable, plastic sleeve encasement. Measuring transmittance through paper represents a new method of quantitative detection that expands the potential functionality of micro-PADs. This prototype transmittance colorimeter is inexpensive, rugged, and fully self-contained, and thus potentially attractive for use in resource-limited environments and developing countries.
Ellerbee
Audrey K
AK
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Phillips
Scott T
ST
Siegel
Adam C
AC
Mirica
Katherine A
KA
Martinez
Andres W
AW
Striehl
Pierre
P
Jain
Nina
N
Prentiss
Mara
M
Whitesides
George M
GM
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D019963:Clinical Chemistry Tests / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003124:Colorimetry / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010209:Paper; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis
D011506:Proteins