Paper-based microfluidics

<p>Paper-based microfluidics are <a href="/facts/Microfluidic/UW3LnTdE">microfluidic</a> devices that consist of a series of <a href="/facts/Hydrophile/k8p95WYu">hydrophilic</a> cellulose or <a href="/facts/Nitrocellulose/5NoD5eTm">nitrocellulose fibers</a> that transport fluid from an inlet through the porous medium to a desired outlet or region of the device, by means of <a href="/facts/Capillary_action/aa60yQ32">capillary action</a>. This technology builds on the conventional <a href="/facts/Lateral_flow_test/WmpfWPBt">lateral flow test</a> which is capable of detecting many infectious agents and chemical contaminants. The main advantage of this is that it is largely a passively controlled device unlike more complex microfluidic devices. Development of paper-based <a href="/facts/Microfluidics/UW3LnTdE">microfluidic</a> devices began in the early 21st century to meet a need for inexpensive and portable <a href="/facts/Molecular_diagnostics/sxaTFsgE">medical diagnostic systems</a>.
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Paper-based microfluidics open-in-new

Paper-based microfluidics