Scientists have developed a novel and cost-effective technique for fabricating paper-based devices to detect contaminants like heavy metals and nitrates in water and food without the need for complicated machinery or sophisticated equipment.
Using an advanced PAP (A-PAP) pen, scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have fabricated two-dimensional (2D) paper-based devices for chemical detection of various elements. They have also demonstrated the versatility of fabrication technique for biological sensing using paper-based devices for the detection of dopamine.
PAP pens are used for various purposes in laboratories because of the water-repellent characteristics of the liquid contained in them.
Further, 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 development offers a practical alternative to conventional sensing methods that necessitate specialised equipment and expertise making it suitable for resource-limited settings, according to information shared by the Ministry of Science and Technology on Wednesday.
In recent years, paper-based devices have gained more consideration as promising platforms for point-of-care diagnostics owing to 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, but these typically entail the use of complex instruments, machinery or may require heating and drying steps which limits their accessibility, scientists said. Fabrication can be done in just around 10 seconds.
Using a PAP pen does not require any machinery or heating/drying steps and adopts a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. The paper-based devices have the advantage of rapid, simple and cost-effective fabrication and the DIY approach offers a low-cost solution, particularly beneficial for developing countries or in remote areas where sophisticated laboratory equipment may not be available.
