Devices developed using an advanced PAP pen (A-PAP) offer a practical alternative to conventional screening methods that require specialized equipment and expertise, making them suitable for resource-limited settings, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.
In recent years, paper-based devices have shown promise for point-of-care diagnosis with factors such as simplicity, cost-effectiveness, disposability, and mobility.
There are several methods for manufacturing paper-based devices, such as inkjet printing, wax printing, laser treatment, and correction pens.
However, these processes typically require complex instruments and machinery or may require heating/drying steps, limiting their accessibility in resource-limited environments.
The new manufacturing technique using a PAP pen requires no machinery or heating/drying steps and takes a DIY approach, the ministry said.
The team used the A-PAP pen to fabricate two-dimensional (2D) paper-based devices for the chemical detection of heavy metals and nitrites. It does not require any sophisticated instrumentation or heating step.
They also demonstrated the versatility of fabrication techniques for biosensing using 2D lateral flow paper devices for dopamine detection.
Furthermore, the technique also validated the fabrication of complex three-dimensional (3D) paper-based devices using a paper origami technique to detect heavy metals.
“Off-the-shelf devices can be manufactured in seconds, making them convenient for field testing. Overall, this technique provides a valuable tool to create affordable, efficient and accessible chemical and biological testing solutions,” the ministry said.
Paper-made devices are distinguished by their rapid, simple and cost-effective manufacturing, and the DIY approach offers a low-cost solution particularly beneficial for developing countries and remote areas.
Enables rapid manufacturing in approximately 10 seconds with a superior contact angle suitable for testing and detection applications. It also represents a cost-effective and easy-to-use technique to identify and quantify contaminants in various matrices, such as water and food.
In recent years, paper-based devices have shown promise for point-of-care diagnosis with factors such as simplicity, cost-effectiveness, disposability, and mobility.
There are several methods for manufacturing paper-based devices, such as inkjet printing, wax printing, laser treatment, and correction pens.
However, these processes typically require complex instruments and machinery or may require heating/drying steps, limiting their accessibility in resource-limited environments.
The new manufacturing technique using a PAP pen requires no machinery or heating/drying steps and takes a DIY approach, the ministry said.
The team used the A-PAP pen to fabricate two-dimensional (2D) paper-based devices for the chemical detection of heavy metals and nitrites. It does not require any sophisticated instrumentation or heating step.
They also demonstrated the versatility of fabrication techniques for biosensing using 2D lateral flow paper devices for dopamine detection.
Furthermore, the technique also validated the fabrication of complex three-dimensional (3D) paper-based devices using a paper origami technique to detect heavy metals.
“Off-the-shelf devices can be manufactured in seconds, making them convenient for field testing. Overall, this technique provides a valuable tool to create affordable, efficient and accessible chemical and biological testing solutions,” the ministry said.
Paper-made devices are distinguished by their rapid, simple and cost-effective manufacturing, and the DIY approach offers a low-cost solution particularly beneficial for developing countries and remote areas.
Enables rapid manufacturing in approximately 10 seconds with a superior contact angle suitable for testing and detection applications. It also represents a cost-effective and easy-to-use technique to identify and quantify contaminants in various matrices, such as water and food.
