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Rapid quantitative testing of illegal drugs is urgently needed for precisely cracking down on drug crimes. Herein, an optimized paper-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) platform with patterned printing of plasmonic nanoparticles was constructed for the on-site quick testing of illegal drugs in urine. The filter paper was first coated with a layer of positive-charged chitosan, so as to reduce its roughness by filling the holes of the cellulose matrix and enhance the adhesion of negative-charged silver ink. Subsequently, hydrophobic modification was performed based on the binary silylation reaction, which could obviously improve the sensitivity of the paper-based SERS substrate by concentrating the amount of analyte. Meanwhile, SERS-active silver ink was fabricated and further printed on the surface of the above modified paper with custom-designed pattern (3 × 6). The performance of this SERS platform was assessed by using crystal violet (CV) as a model tag, and the obtained results proved it possesses excellent sensitivity and reproducibility, in which the relative standard deviation (RSD) dropped remarkably. More importantly, as a proof of concept, rapid detection of standard methylamphetamine (MAMP), one of the most widely abused drugs, was achieved with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.43 ppb using a portable Raman spectrometer. And it also had a good capability in human urine sample detection, with a correlation index ( R ) up to 0.9927. This optimized paper-based SERS platform was easily manufactured, cheap, and portable, providing a new strategy for the on-site detection of illicit drugs.2 ) up to 0.9927. This optimized paper-based SERS platform was easily manufactured, cheap, and portable, providing a new strategy for the on-site detection of illicit drugs.

In this paper, paper microfluidic channel fabricated by directly screen-printing of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is proposed for paper spray mass spectrometry analysis of therapeutic drugs in the blood samples. Compared with traditional paper spray, PDMS-printed paper spray (PP-PS) allows fluid to flow to the tip of paper with less sample loss which significantly improved the signal intensity of target compounds in blood samples. As paper can reduce the matrix effect, PP-PS also has a greater advantage than electro-spray Ionization (ESI) when directly analyzing complex biological sample in terms of the detection efficiency. Linearity and limits of detection (LOD) were evaluated for five psychotropic drugs: olanzapine, quetiapine, 9-hydroxyrisperidone, clozapine, risperidone. As a result, PP-PS improved the signal intensity of the psychotropic drugs at a concentration of 250 ng/ml in blood samples by a factor of 2-5 times and lowered the relative standard deviation (RSD) by a factor of 2-5.6 times compared with traditional paper spray. And PP-PS also improved signal intensity by a factor of 9-33 times compared with ESI. Quantitative experiments of PP-PS mass spectrometry indicated that the linear range was 5-500 ng/ml and the LOD were improved by a factor of 5-71 times for all these drugs compared with traditional paper spray. In addition, PP-PS was applied to the home-made miniaturized mass spectrometer and the precursor ions of all five psychotropic drugs (250 ng/ml) in the mass spectrometry results were obtained as well. These could prove that PP-PS has the potential to analyze complex biological samples in application on the miniaturized mass spectrometer which can be used outside the laboratory., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a fetal protein that can indicate congenital anomalies such as Down syndrome and spinal canal blockage when detected at abnormal levels in pregnant women. Current AFP detection methods rely on invasive blood or serum samples, which require sophisticated equipment. From the many solutions proposed, colorimetric paper-based assays excel in point-of-care settings. The concept of paper-based ELISA (p-ELISA) enhances traditional methods, aligning with the ASSURED criteria for diagnostics in resource-limited regions. Despite success in microfluidic paper-based assay devices, laser printing remains underexplored for p-ELISA. Additionally, modifying the paper surface provides an additional layer of sensitivity enhancement., Results: In this study, we developed a novel laser-printed paper-based ELISA (LP-pELISA) for rapid, sensitive, and noninvasive detection of AFP in saliva samples. The LP-pELISA platform was fabricated by printing hydrophobic barriers on filter paper using a laser printer, followed by depositing hydroxyapatite (HAp) as an immobilization material for the antibodies. The colorimetric detection was achieved using AuNPs functionalized with anti-AFP antibodies and silver nitrate enhancement. The LP-pELISA exhibited a linear response for AFP detection in both buffer and saliva samples over a range of 1.0-800 ng mL -1 , with a limit of detection (LOD) reaching 1.0 ng mL -1 . The assay also demonstrated good selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility, and stability. The LP-pELISA was further validated by testing spiked human saliva samples, showing its potential for point-of-care diagnosis of congenital disabilities., Significance: The LP-pELISA is a noninvasive platform showcasing simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness, utilizing laser printing, hydroxyapatite modification, and saliva samples to efficiently detect AFP. Beyond its application for AFP, this method's versatility extends to other biomarkers, positioning it as a catalyst for the evolution of paper-based biosensors. The LP-pELISA holds promise as a transformative tool for point-of-care diagnostics, fostering advancements in healthcare with its innovative technology., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Paper-based packaging generally has poor performances in the gas/oil barriers. This work reports a paper-based packaging material prepared via the modification of conventional papers with TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCN)/cationic guar gum (CGG) hydrogel film. Specifically, the hydrogel film modification was realized through a layer-by-layer deposition on paper. The hydrogel film modification significantly improved the mechanical and barrier properties of the paper. Specifically, the 4-layer hydrogel film modified paper showed a tensile strength of 34.03 MPa and a burst strength of 510 kPa, respectively. In contrast, the unmodified paper exhibited a tensile strength of 26.78 MPa and a bursting strength of 388 kPa. The packaging performance of this TOCN/CGG hydrogel film modified paper was demonstrated via the fresh mooncake packaging test. Such hydrogel film not only provided the oil resistance, but also maintained the mooncake's freshness. This material can serve as a green and sustainable food packaging., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This article introduces a novel inkjet printing method for the fabrication of a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPADs) with improved analytical performance for colorimetric measurements. Firstly, a hydrophobic boundary was created by wax printing on chromatography paper. Then, chitosan (CHI), 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and enzymatic mixture solvent (glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)) were sequentially printed in the sensing zone. Polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) was mixed with the bienzymatic solution to act as an enzyme stabilizer, forming the printable ink. The resulting μPADs exhibited a linear relationship between color intensity and glucose concentration from 0.0 25 mg/ml to 0 .5mg/ml. The detectable glucose concentration was in a clinically relevant range from 0.01 mg/ml to 4 mg/ml. The limit of detection (LOD) was achieved at 0.01 mg/ml. After 60-day storage under 4 °C, the color intensity at the testing zone retained over 80% of the original intensity. In addition, a smartphone application was developed for in situ colorimetric image processing, and the colorimetric analysis results were compared with those from the use of a scanner followed by processing using ImageJ. Furthermore, the development of this ink printing method also provides a point of care (POC) platform for other substances detection purposes.

The excessive use of antibiotics in food-producing animals causes a steady rise of multiple antibiotic resistance in foodborne bacteria. Next to sulfonamides, the most common antibiotics groups are fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and ß-lactams. Therefore, there is a need for a quick, efficient, and low-cost detection procedure for antibiotics. In this study, we propose an inkjet-printed aptamer-based biosensor developed for the detection of the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin. Due to their extraordinary high affinity and specificity, aptamers are already widely used in various applications. Here we present a ciprofloxacin-binding RNA aptamer developed by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). We characterized the secondary structure of the aptamer and determined the KD to 36 nM that allow detection of antibiotic contamination in a relevant range. We demonstrate that RNA aptamers can be inkjet-printed, dried, and resolved while keeping their functionality consistently intact. With this proof of concept, we are paving the way for a potential range of additional aptamer-based, printable biosensors.

We report a paper-based aptasensor platform that uses two reaction zones and a connecting bridge along with printed multifunctional bio/nano materials to achieve molecular recognition and signal amplification. Upon addition of analyte to the first zone, a fluorescently labelled DNA or RNA aptamer is desorbed from printed graphene oxide, rapidly producing an initial fluorescence signal. The released aptamer then flows to the second zone where it reacts with printed reagents to initiate rolling circle amplification, generating DNA amplicons containing a peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme, which produces a colorimetric readout that can be read in an equipment-free manner or with a smartphone. The sensor was demonstrated using an RNA aptamer for adenosine triphosphate (a bacterial marker) and a DNA aptamer for glutamate dehydrogenase (Clostridium difficile marker) with excellent sensitivity and specificity. These targets could be detected in spiked serum or feacal samples, demonstrating the potential for testing clinical samples., (© 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Paper-based microfluidic devices with screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) for electrochemical sensing are popular for low-cost point-of-care diagnostics. The electroactive sensing area in these devices is always the irregular, bottom-SPE surface which is in contact with the analyte flowing within the paper substrate. Unfortunately, this results in an electroactive area which varies widely from sensor to sensor. In this paper, we present a three-dimensional paper-based analytical device with a hollow 3D fluid reservoir which allows for use of a more uniform top-SPE surface as the electroactive sensing area. The use of this isolated reservoir eliminates the need for dielectric inks used in conventional SPEs on paper. Our sensors are fabricated using a combination of wax-printing, screen-printing and simple folding via a cleanroom free process without the need for expensive equipment. Additionally, for the first time, we demonstrate an electrochemical paper-based analytical device with a custom designed potentiostat integrated circuit (IC) as a miniaturized reader. The versatility of the sensor is demonstrated through voltammetric, amperometric and potentiometric measurements of important biochemical analytes such as dopamine, glucose and pH. The 3D ePAD together with a custom CMOS potentiostat demonstrates a low-cost, versatile, self-contained system suitable for point-of-care diagnostic devices.

The first paper-based polyion-sensitive optodes are reported. Dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid (a cation exchanger) and chromoionophore I (a lipophilic optical pH indicator) are printed on filter paper in the absence of any plasticizer and/or additional hydrophobic polymeric phase. The resulting optodes exhibit sensitive colorimetric response to polycations such as protamine but not to small inorganic cations because only polycations are able to form cooperative ion pairs with dinonylnaphthalenesulfonate adsorbed to the cellulose paper. The color change of the optode is recorded via an iPhone camera and analyzed by an iPhone App. The protamine-sensing optode platform is used to indirectly detect protease activity (trypsin) based on proteolytic digestion of protamine, and polyanions (pentosan polysulfate and heparin) based on the strong binding reaction of polyanions with protamine. The indirect sensing system is further simplified on a multilayer membrane device that consists of an optode paper site modified with buffer to prevent optode dependence on sample pH, and an underlying cellulose acetate filter membrane coated with protamine to eliminate addition of the indicator polycation into the sample. The detection of pentosan polysulfate concentrations in an undiluted urine sample is successfully demonstrated via this approach. Lastly, it is shown that plasticizer-free polyanion-sensitive optodes based on an adsorbed layer of quaternary ammonium type anion exchanger and a phenolic azo type proton chromoionophore can also be fabricated directly on cellulose paper strips.

Hydrophilic inks have been widely used due to higher printing speed, competitive cost and being healthy non-organic solvents. However, they cause problems in both product quality and process runnability due to their hydrophilic surface wettability, strong negative surface charge and sub-micron size. Electric treatment was shown to be able to increase the ink sizes from 60 nm to 700 nm through electrocoagulation and electrophoresis. In addition, electric treatment assisted flotation could reduce effective residual ink concentration (ERIC) by 90 ppm, compared with only 20 ppm by traditional flotation. Furthermore, the effect of electric treatment alone on ink separation was investigated by two anode materials, graphite and stainless steel. Both of them could remove hydrophilic inks with less than 1% yield loss via electroflotation and electrophoresis. But graphite is a better material as the anode because graphite reduced ERIC by an additional 100 ppm. The yield loss of flotation following electric treatment was also lower by 17% if graphite was the anode material. The difference between the two electrode materials resulted from electrocoagulation and ink redeposition during electric treatment. An electric pretreatment-flotation-hyperwashing process was conducted to understand the deinking performance in conditions similar to a paper mill, and the ERIC was reduced from 950 ppm to less than 400 ppm.

The development of transparency-based electrochemical and paper-based colorimetric analytic detection platforms is presented as complementary methods for food and waterborne bacteria detection from a single assay. Escherichia coli and Enterococcus species, both indicators of fecal contamination, were detected using substrates specific to enzymes produced by each species. β-galactosidase (β-gal) and β-glucuronidase (β-glucur) are both produced by E. coli, while β-glucosidase (β-gluco) is produced by Enterococcus spp. Substrates used produced either p-nitrophenol (PNP), o-nitrophenol (ONP), or p-aminophenol (PAP) as products. Electrochemical detection using stencil-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) was found to provide optimal performance on inexpensive and disposable transparency film platforms. Using SPCEs, detection limits for electrochemically active substrates, PNP, ONP, and PAP were determined to be 1.1, 2.8, and 0.5 μM, respectively. A colorimetric paper-based well plate system was developed from a simple cardboard box and smart phone for the detection of PNP and ONP. Colorimetric detection limits were determined to be 81 μM and 119 μM for ONP and PNP respectively. While colorimetric detection methods gave higher detection limits than electrochemical detection, both methods provided similar times to positive bacteria detection. Low concentrations (10 1 CFU/mL) of pathogenic and nonpathogenic E. coli isolates and (10 0 CFU/mL) E. faecalis and E. faecium strains were detected within 4 and 8 h of pre-enrichment. Alfalfa sprout and lagoon water samples served as model food and water samples, and while water samples did not test positive, sprout samples did test positive within 4 h of pre-enrichment. Positive detection of inoculated (2.3 × 10 2 and 3.1 × 10 1 CFU/mL or g of E. coli and E. faecium, respectively) sprout and water samples tested positive within 4 and 12 h of pre-enrichment, respectively.

Inkjet-printed PEDOT:PSS electrodes are shown to record cutaneous electrophysiological signals such as electrocardiograms via a simple finger-to-electrode contact. The recordings are of high quality and show no deterioration over a 3 month period, paving the way for the development of the next generation of low-cost, convenient-to-use healthcare monitoring devices., (© 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic haemolytic disorder. Most persons with G6PD deficiency are asymptomatic, but exposure to oxidant drugs, such as the anti-malarial drug primaquine, may induce haemolysis, which is commonly found in Asian countries. A reliable test is necessary for diagnosing the deficiency to prevent an acute haemolytic crisis. This study proposes a novel quantitative method to detect G6PD deficiency using paper-based analytical devices (G6PDD-PAD). Wax printing was utilized for fabricating circular reaction zone patterns in paper. The colorimetric assay is based on the formation of formazan via a reduction of tetra-nitro blue tetrazolium (TNBT) by the G6PD enzyme on G6PDD-PAD. Detection was achieved by capturing the colour using a desktop scanner and the colour intensity was analysed with Adobe Photoshop C56. The results showed that the G6PD activity analysed by G6PDD-PAD was highly correlated with the standard biochemical assay (SBA) (r 2 =0.87, p<0.01). Moreover, good agreement by Bland-Altman bias plot was demonstrated between G6PDD-PAD and the SBA (mean bias 1.4 IU/gHb). The detection limit was 0 IU/gHb of G6PD activity. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using G6PDD-PAD. This simple, low-cost test ($0.1/test) should be useful for diagnosing G6PD deficiency in resource-limited settings., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this work, a new method named laser-heating-wax-printing (LHWP) is described to fabricate paper devices for developing sensitive, affordable, user-friendly paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (P-ELISAs) that initially use common pen-type pH meters for portable, quantitative readout. The LHWP enables a rapid patterning of wax in paper via one step of heating the wax layer coated on the paper surface using a mini-type CO 2 laser machine. Wax-patterned paper microzones created in this way are utilized to conduct the pen-type pH meter-based P-ELISAs with enzyme-loaded SiO 2 microbeads for highly efficient signal amplification of each antibody-antigen binding event. The results show that this new P-ELISA system is quantitatively sensitive to the concentrations of a model protein analyte in buffer samples ranging from 12.5 to 200 pg mL -1 , with a limit of detection of ca. 7.5 pg mL -1 (3σ). Moreover, the satisfactory recovery results of assaying several human serum samples validate its feasibility for practical applications.

Application of microbial enzymes for paper deinking is getting tremendous attention due to the rapidly increasing of waste paper every year. This study reports the deinking efficiency of laser-printed paper by the lignocellulolytic enzyme from Penicillium rolfsii c3-2(1) IBRL strain compared to other enzyme sources as well as commercial available enzymes. High enzymatic deinking efficiency of approximately 82 % on laser-printed paper was obtained by pulp treatment with crude enzyme from P. rolfsii c3-2(1) IBRL. However, this crude enzyme was found to reduce the paper strength properties of the pulp based on the results of tensile, tear and burst indices, most probably due to the cellulose degradation. This was further proven by the low viscosity of paper pulp obtained after enzymatic treatment and increasing of sugar production during the treatment. Balancing to this detrimental effect on paper pulp, high deinking efficiency was achieved within a short period of time, in which the enzymatic treatment was conducted for 30 min that enabled contribution to higher brightness index obtained, thus promoting savings of time and energy consumption, therefore environmental sustainability. Extensive research should be conducted to understand the nature and mechanism of enzymatic deinking process by the crude enzyme from P. rolfsii c3-2(1) IBRL in order to improve paper strength properties.

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) provides rapid and sensitive identification of small molecule analytes. Traditionally, fabrication of SERS devices is an expensive process that involves the use of micro- and nano-fabrication procedures. Further, acquisition of diverse sample types requires complex preparation procedures that limits SERS to lab-based applications. Recent innovations using plasmonic nanoparticles embedded in flexible paper substrates has allowed the expansion of SERS techniques to portable analytical procedures. Recently inkjet-printing has been identified as a low cost, rapid, and highly customizable method for producing paper based SERS sensors with robust performance. This chapter details the materials and procedures by which inkjet printed SERS sensors can be fabricated and applied to relevant applications. In particular, methods for utilizing the sensors for detection of antibiotics are presented.

Food contact materials (FCM) are estimated to be the largest source of food contamination. Apart from plastics, the most commonly used FCM are made of printed paper and board. Unlike their plastic counterparts, these are not covered by a specific European regulation. Several contamination issues have raised concerns towards potential adverse health effects caused by exposure to substances migrating from printed paper and board FCM. In the current study, an inventory combining the substances which may be used in printed paper and board FCM, was created. More than 6000 unique compounds were identified, the majority (77%) considered non-evaluated in terms of potential toxicity. Based on a preliminary study of their physicochemical properties, it is estimated that most of the non-evaluated single substances have the potential to migrate into the food and become bioavailable after oral intake. Almost all are included in the FACET tool, indicating that their use in primary food packaging has been confirmed by industry. Importantly, 19 substances are also present in one of the lists with substances of concern compiled by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). To ensure consumer safety, the actual use of these substances in printed paper and board FCM should be investigated urgently., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A novel screen-printed microfluidic paper-based analytical device with all-carbon electrode-enabled electrochemical assay (SP-ACE-EC-μPAD) has been developed. The fabrication of these devices involved wax screen-printing, which was simple, low-cost and energy-efficient. The working, counter and reference electrodes were screen-printed using carbon ink on the patterned paper devices. Different wax screen-printing processes were examined and optimized, which led to an improved method with a shorter heating time (~5 s) and a lower heating temperature (75 °C). Different printing screens were examined, with a 300-mesh polyester screen yielding the highest quality wax screen-prints. The carbon electrodes were screen-printed on the μPADs and then examined using cyclic voltammetry. The analytical performance of the SP-ACE-EC-μPADs for the detection of glucose and uric acid in standard solutions was investigated. The results were reproducible, with a linear relationship [R(2) = 0.9987 (glucose) or 0.9997 (uric acid)] within the concentration range of interest, and with detection limits as low as 0.35 mM (glucose) and 0.08 mM (uric acid). To determine the clinical utility of the μPADs, chronoamperometry was used to analyze glucose and uric acid in real urine samples using the standard addition method. Our devices were able to detect the analytes of interest in complex real-world biological samples, and have the potential for use in a wide variety of applications.

Paper-based microfluidic devices (μPADs) are capable of achieving rapid quantitative measurements of a variety of analytes inexpensively. μPADs rely on patterning hydrophilic-hydrophobic regions on a sheet of paper in order to create capillary channels within impermeable fluidic brakes on the paper. Here, we present a novel, highly flexible and low-cost fabrication method using a desktop digital craft plotter/cutter and technical drawing pens with tip size of 0.5 mm. The pens were used with either commercial black permanent ink for drawing fluidic brakes, or with specialty in-house formulated aqueous inks. With the permanent marker ink it was possible to create barriers on paper rapidly and in a variety of designs in a highly flexible manner. For instance, a design featuring eight reservoirs can be produced within 10 s for each μPAD with a consistent line width of brakes (%RSD < 1.5). Further, we investigated the optimal viscosity range of in-house formulated inks controlled with additions of poly(ethylene glycol). The viscosity was measured by capillary electrophoresis and the optimal viscosity was in the range of ∼3-6 mPa s. A functional test of these μPADs was conducted by the screening of antioxidant activity. Colorimetric measurements of flavonoid, phenolic compounds and DPPH free radical scavenging activity were carried out on μPADs. The results can be detected by the naked eye and simply quantified by using a camera phone and image analysis software. The fabrication method using technical drawing pens provides flexibility in the use of in-house formulated inks, short fabrication time, simplicity and low cost., (Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

All-printed, foldable organic thin-film transistors are demonstrated on glassine paper with a combination of advanced materials and processing techniques. Glassine paper provides a suitable surface for high-performance printing methods, while graphene electrodes and an ion-gel gate dielectric enable robust stability over 100 folding cycles. Altogether, this study features a practical platform for low-cost, large-area, and foldable electronics., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Interest in low-cost diagnostic devices has recently gained attention, in part due to the rising cost of healthcare and the need to serve populations in resource-limited settings. A major challenge in the development of such devices is the need for hydrophobic barriers to contain polar bio-fluid analytes. Key approaches in lowering the cost in diagnostics have centered on (i) development of low-cost fabrication techniques/processes, (ii) use of affordable materials, or, (iii) minimizing the need for high-tech tools. This communication describes a simple, low-cost, adaptable, and portable method for patterning paper and subsequent use of the patterned paper in diagnostic tests. Our approach generates hydrophobic regions using a ball-point pen filled with a hydrophobizing molecule suspended in a solvent carrier. An empty ball-point pen was filled with a solution of trichloro perfluoroalkyl silane in hexanes (or hexadecane), and the pen used to draw lines on Whatman® chromatography 1 paper. The drawn regions defined the test zones since the trichloro silane reacts with the paper to give a hydrophobic barrier. The formation of the hydrophobic barriers is reaction kinetic and diffusion-limited, ensuring well defined narrow barriers. We performed colorimetric glucose assays and enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) using the created test zones. To demonstrate the versatility of this approach, we fabricated multiple devices on a single piece of paper and demonstrated the reproducibility of assays on these devices. The overall cost of devices fabricated by drawing are relatively lower (

This paper describes a simple and instrument-free screen-printing method to fabricate hydrophilic channels by patterning polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) onto chromatography paper. Clearly recognizable border lines were formed between hydrophilic and hydrophobic areas. The minimum width of the printed channel to deliver an aqueous sample was 600 μm, as obtained by this method. Fabricated microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) were tested for several colorimetric assays of pH, glucose, and protein in both buffer and artificial urine samples and results were obtained in less than 30 min. The limits of detection (LODs) for glucose and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were 5 mM and 8 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the pH values of different solutions were visually recognised with the naked eye by using a sensitive ink. Ultimately, it is expected that this PDMS-screen-printing (PSP) methodology for μPADs can be readily translated to other colorimetric detection and hydrophilic channels surrounded by a hydrophobic polymer can be formed to transport fluids toward target zones.

In this study, a paper-based point-of-care (POC) colorimetric biosensor was developed for the detection of lactate dehydrogenase in serum using a nonporous, oxygen impermeable reversibly gelling polysaccharide material based on pullulan. The pullulan could be printed onto paper surfaces along with all required assay reagents, providing a means for high-stability immobilization of all reagents on paper. Serum containing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was directly spotted on to the pullulan-coated bioactive paper and provided quantitative colorimetric data that was comparable to that obtained with a conventional plate-reader method. The paper strip was found to be highly stable and could be stored at 4 °C for at least 10 weeks with no loss in performance, as compared to a complete loss in performance within 1 day when the reagents were printed without the stabilizing polysaccharide. The ease of fabrication coupled with the high stability of the printed reagents provides a facile platform for easily manufactured POC sensors.

A paper test card has been engineered to perform an iodometric titration, an application that requires storage and mixing on demand of several mutually incompatible reagents. The titration is activated when a user applies a test solution to the test card: the dried reagents are reconstituted and combined through a surface-tension-enabled mixing (STEM) mechanism. The device quantifies 0.8-15 ppm of iodine atoms from iodate in aqueous solutions. This is useful, for example, to quantify iodine levels in fortified salt. A blinded internal laboratory validation established the accuracy as 1.4 ppm I and the precision as 0.9 ppm I when the test card was read by newly trained users. Using computer software to process images, the accuracy and precision both improved to 0.9 ppm I. The paper card can also detect substandard β lactam antibiotics using an iodometric back-titration. When used to quantify amoxicillin, good distinction is achieved between solutions that differ by 0.15 mg/mL over a working range of 0-0.9 mg/mL. The test card was designed to meet the World Health Organization ASSURED criteria for use in low resource settings, where laboratory-based analytical procedures are often not available.

This paper presents a simple and low-cost method for patterning poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) barriers in porous support such as paper for the construction of flexible microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). The fabrication method consisted of contact-printing a solution of PDMS and hexane (10:1.5 w/w) onto chromatographic paper using custom-designed rubber stamps containing the patterns of μPADs. After penetrating the paper (∼30 s), the PDMS is cured to form hydrophobic barriers. Under optimized conditions, hydrophobic barriers and hydrophilic channels with dimensions down to 949±88 μm and 771±90 μm (n=5), respectively, were obtained. This resolution is well-suitable for most applications in analytical chemistry. Chemical compatibility studies revealed that the PDMS barriers were able to contain some organic solvents, including acetonitrile and methanol, and aqueous solutions of some surfactants. This find is particularly interesting given that acetonitrile and methanol are the most used solvents in chromatographic separations, non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis and electroanalysis, as well as aqueous solutions of surfactants are suitable mediums for cell lyses assays. The utility of the technique was evaluated in the fabrication of paper-based electrochemical devices (PEDs) with pencil-drawn electrodes for experiments in static cyclic voltammetry and flow injection analysis (FIA) with amperometric detection, in both aqueous and organic mediums., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A simple and low-cost fabrication method for paper-based diagnostic devices (PBDDs) is described in this study. Street-available polymer solutions were screen printed onto filter papers to create hydrophobic patterns for fluidic channels. In order to obtain fully functional hydrophobic patterns for fluids, the original polymer solutions were diluted with butyl acetate to yield a suitable viscosity range between 30-200 cP for complete patterning on paper. Typical pH and glucose tests with color indicators were performed on the screen printed PBDDs. Images of the PBDDs were analyzed by computers to obtain calibration curves for pH between 2 and 12 and glucose concentration ranging from 10-1000 mmol dm(-3). Detection of formaldehyde in acetone was also carried out to show the possibility of using this PBBD for analytical detection with organic solvents. An exemplar PBDD with simultaneous pH and glucose detection was also used to demonstrate the feasibility of applying this technique for realistic diagnostic applications.

We report a method for the bottom-up fabrication of paper-based capillary microchips by the blade coating of cellulose microfibers on a patterned surface. The fabrication process is similar to the paper-making process in which an aqueous suspension of cellulose microfibers is used as the starting material and is blade-coated onto a polypropylene substrate patterned using an inkjet printer. After water evaporation, the cellulose microfibers form a porous, hydrophilic, paperlike pattern that wicks aqueous solution by capillary action. This method enables simple, fast, inexpensive fabrication of paper-based capillary channels with both width and height down to about 10 μm. When this method is used, the capillary microfluidic chip for the colorimetric detection of glucose and total protein is fabricated, and the assay requires only 0.30 μL of sample, which is 240 times smaller than for paper devices fabricated using photolithography.

We describe an inkjet printed paper-based sensor that reports ATP by the enzyme catalysed hydrolysis of S-methyl-L-cysteine generating an odour (methyl mercaptan) that is easily detectable by the human nose.

We report the memory device on paper by means of an all-printing approach. Using a sequence of inkjet and screen-printing techniques, a simple metal–insulator–metal device structure is fabricated on paper as a resistive random access memory with a potential to reach gigabyte capacities on an A4 paper. The printed-paper-based memory devices (PPMDs) exhibit reproducible switching endurance, reliable retention, tunable memory window, and the capability to operate under extreme bending conditions. In addition, the PBMD can be labeled on electronics or living objects for multifunctional, wearable, on-skin, and biocompatible applications. The disposability and the high-security data storage of the paper-based memory are also demonstrated to show the ease of data handling, which are not achievable for regular silicon-based electronic devices. We envision that the PPMDs manufactured by this cost-effective and time-efficient all-printing approach would be a key electronic component to fully activate a paper-based circuit and can be directly implemented in medical biosensors, multifunctional devices, and self-powered systems.

The use of omniphobic "fluoroalkylated paper" as a substrate for inkjet printing of aqueous inks that are the precursors of electrically conductive patterns is described. By controlling the surface chemistry of the paper, it is possible to print high resolution, conductive patterns that remain conductive after folding and exposure to common solvents., (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

This study assesses the influence of commercial enzyme (FibreZyme LBR) treatment applied to APMP pulp and to the mixture of 55% Acacia CTMP75 pulp, 30% soft-wood bleached chemical pulp (LBKP 90 from Chile) and 15% hard-wood bleached chemical pulp (NPKP 90 from Indonesia). The treatment was conducted at different temperatures, reaction times and enzyme dosages. The APMP and mixed pulp treated with the enzyme showed a significant decrease of refining time to achieve the same refining degree (Schopper-Riegler freeness, °SR) and better mechanical-physical properties due to the development of fibrillation. The fibre morphology difference between before and after treatment was revealed by the microscopic observations performed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM analysis showed that the surface of the enzyme-treated fibre had some swelling and fibrillar phenomenon that lead to strong paper properties such as tear index, tensile index and burst index.

We demonstrate a flexible paper-based biofuel cell using porous carbon inks for high power output. The power density of the fabricated biofuel cell reached 0.12 mW cm(-2) (at 0.4 V), which is the highest output power reported to date, to the best of our knowledge.

The facile and sensitive strategies for detections of nitroaromatic explosives are highly desirable in many challenging environments, especially for homeland security against terrorism. Here, we inkjet printed polyethylenimine (PEI)-coated Ce, Tb co-doped NaGdF4 nanorods (NaGdF4:Ce/Tb NRs) onto common filter paper to construct test paper for visual and instant detections of a typical explosive 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP). Polyethylenimine molecules not only facilitate the formation of uniform NaGdF4 nanorods but also provide specific recognized sites for TNP by the acid-base pairing interaction. The resultant TNP bound at the surface of PEI-coated NaGdF4:Ce/Tb NRs can strongly quench the phosphorescence with a remarkably high quenching constant by the charge transfer mechanism from NaGdF4:Ce/Tb NRs to TNP. By printing of the probe on a piece of filter paper, trace amounts of TNP can be visually detected by the appearance of a dark color against a bright green background under a UV lamp. This test paper can detect TNP as low as 0.45 ng mm(-2) by the naked eye, which provides a potential application in the rapid, on-line detections of explosives., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

This paper describes a colorimetric sensor array for the discrimination of volatile amines. Analyte discrimination is achieved by combining two functional elements: (1) a "chemical class-selective" single chromogenic sensing dye with selectivity for amines in general, encapsulated into (2) polymer nanoparticles with different polarities. The resulting array has the ability to distinguish one closely related amine from another, relying on a polarity-based approach. In order to achieve reproducible, cost efficient, and flexible sensor array fabrication with the potential for mass production, inkjet-printing technology combined with standard copy paper as a sensor substrate is applied. Printing of 6 types of inks, which are prepared by mixing two dye encapsulating nanoparticles of different polarity in different mixture ratios, results in a colorimetric sensor array with a polarity gradient. Seven primary amines with increasing alkyl chain lengths have been selected to demonstrate the performance of the sensor array. The RGB color differences (ΔR, ΔG, ΔB) of the sensor array spots before and after gas exposure were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) analysis. Under the selected measurement conditions, results of PCA and AHC analysis indicated high discrimination ability with high reproducibility of the sensor array down to amine concentrations of 50 ppm. The discrimination ability was maintained at relative humidities between 10% and 80%. Furthermore, the sensor array showed no significant response to common volatile organic compounds, confirming the high selectivity toward amines. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of a colorimetric sensor array with selectivity for a specific chemical class of analytes and the ability to discriminate compounds of the same class, which is obtained by simply mixing two types of single dye-encapsulating polymer nanoparticles.

Paper-fluidic devices have become an emerging trend for micro total analysis systems (microTAS) in the bioengineering field due to their ability to maintain the rapid, sensitive and specific attributes of microfluidic devices. Subsequently, paper-fluidic devices are also more portable, have a lower production cost and are easier to use. However, one of the obstacles in developing paper fluidic devices is the limited ability to control the rate of fluid flow during an assay. In our project, we use electrowetting on dielectrics where a dielectric, which is normally hydrophobic, is polarized and becomes hydrophilic. We have fabricated paper-fluidic devices by inkjet printing and spraying conductive hydrophobic electrodes/valves in conjunction with conductive hydrophilic electrodes which are able to stop the fluid front of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The hydrophobic valves were then actuated by an applied potential which altered the fluorinated monolayer on the electrode. As the applied potential between the electrodes was increased, the amount of time for the fluid front to pass the valve decreased because the monolayer was altered faster. However, we did not observe significant differences in time as we increased the distance between the electrodes. The valves were also incorporated in a lateral flow assay where the device was used to detect Saccharomyces cerevisiae rRNA sequences. With the ability to control the fluid flow in a paper-fluidic device, more complex and intricate assays can be developed, which not only can be applied in the biomedical, food and environmental fields, but also can be used in low resource settings for the detection of diseases.

This paper investigates the effect of using recycled fiber (RCF) in newsprint production on the effluent quality and its treatability using membrane operations for internal and external recycling and reuse. Increased chemical usage in RCF for deinking had significant impact on the silica and sodium content of the effluent which in turn limits the membrane's operation. Increasing the RCF content from 0% to 50% is estimated to increase the silica content from 4 to 119mgL(-1) and sodium content from 135 to 500mgL(-1). A process model was developed to calculate the impact of these excess chemicals on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and brine disposal for an integrated membrane plant design producing 4MLday(-1) of recycled water. As the ratio of RCF increased from 0% to 50% in the mill process, the operating pressure increased for nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO). Additionally, organics presence in the feed increased the NF operating pressure above the simulated value and reduced the silica removal efficiency by 15%. Incorporation of lime coagulation pretreatment was found to be essential to operate RO at high recoveries with relatively GHG emissions. Without pretreatment, as RCF content increased from 0% to 50%, RO recovery decreased from 80% to 22% and the expended GHG increased from 0.9 to 3.5kgCO2m(-3). Although the excess sodium concentration limits the brine disposal for irrigation purposes, a partial blending of the treated wastewater with other process streams resulted in the reduction of sodium absorption ratio by 20%., (Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Au-Ag bimetallic microfluidic, dumbbell-shaped, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors were fabricated on cellulose paper by screen printing. These printed sensors rely on a sample droplet injection zone, and a SERS detection zone at either end of the dumbbell motif, fabricated by printing silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) successively with microscale precision. The microfluidic channel was patterned using an insulating ink to connect these two zones and form a hydrophobic circuit. Owing to capillary action of paper in the millimeter-sized channels, the sensor could enable self-filtering of fluids to remove suspended particles within wastewater without pumping. This sensor also allows sensitive SERS detection, due to advantageous combination of the strong surface enhancement of Ag NPs and excellent chemical stability of Au NPs. The SERS performance of the sensors was investigated by employing the probe rhodamine 6G, a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.1×10(-13)M and an enhancement factor of 8.6×10(6) could be achieved. Moreover, the dumbbell-shaped bimetallic sensors exhibited good stability with SERS performance being maintained over 14 weeks in air, and high reproducibility with less than 15% variation in spot-to-spot SERS intensity. Using these dumbbell-shaped bimetallic sensors, substituted aromatic pollutants in wastewater samples could be quantitatively analyzed, which demonstrated their excellent capability for rapid trace pollutant detection in wastewater samples in the field without pre-separation., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This paper reports for the first time the use of colored toner to produce polyester toner (PT) ME devices. Colored PT devices were designed in drawing software and printed on a polyester film using a color laser printer with 3600 dpi resolution. The colored toner is composed of a copolymer mixture (styrene and acrylate), wax, silicon dioxide, and pigments. The presence of silica in the toner composition has enhanced the EOF magnitude and improved the analytical performance. For a pH range between 2 and 12, the EOF measured on a magenta PT chip, for example, ranged from 3.8 to 5.8 (× 10(-4) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) ). Typical separations of inorganic cations (K(+) , Na(+) , and Li(+) ) were used as model system to investigate the analytical feasibility of the proposed devices. The repeatability for the migration times of all analytes exhibited RSD values lower than 1% (n = 10). The separation efficiencies found on colored PT devices ranged from 10 000 to 49 000 plates/m, which means between 7 and 23% of the maximum theoretical efficiency on this microfluidic platform (1.85 × 10(5) plates/m). The improvements achieved on the proposed devices are associated with the small additional amount of silica on the toner composition as well as the printing of channels with smoother surfaces and better uniformity when compared to the conventional PT chips printed with monochromatic laser printers., (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

A method for the quantitative determination of bisphenol A in thermal printing paper was developed and validated. Bisphenol A was extracted from the paper samples using 2% NaOH solution, then the extracted analyte was enriched using single-drop microextraction followed by HPLC analysis. Several parameters relating to the single-drop microextraction efficiency including extraction solvent, extraction temperature and time, stirring rate, and pH of donor phase were studied and optimized. Spiked recovery of bisphenol A at 20 and 5 mg/g was found to be 95.8 and 108%, and the method detection limit and method quantification limit was 0.03 and 0.01 mg/g, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method was applied to the determination of bisphenol A in seven types of thermal printing paper samples, and the concentration of bisphenol A was found in the range of 0.53-20.9 mg/g. The considerably minimum usage of organic solvents (5 μL 1-octanol) and high enrichment factor (189-197) in the sample preparation are the two highlighted advantages in comparison with previously published works., (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

We demonstrate a paper-based surface swab and lateral-flow dipstick that includes an inkjet-printed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate for analyte detection. Due to capillary-action wicking of cellulose, the paper dipstick enables extremely simple and pump-free loading of liquid samples into the detection device, and in addition provides inherent analyte concentration within the detection volume. Furthermore, the flexible nature of the paper-based SERS device also enables it to act as a swab to collect analyte molecules directly from a large-area surface; the collected analyte molecules can then be focused into a small-volume SERS-active region by lateral-flow concentration. These capabilities are unseen in today's SERS substrates and microfluidic SERS devices. Using these novel lateral-flow paper SERS devices, we achieved detection limits as low as 95 fg of Rhodamine 6G (R6G), 413 pg of the organophosphate malathion, 9 ng of heroin, and 15 ng of cocaine. Moreover, the measurements show that the technique is quantitative and is repeatable across multiple swabs and dipsticks. The results reported here may lead to ultra-low-cost portable applications in trace chemical detection.

In thermal printing, bisphenol A (BPA) functions chemically as a developer and reacts with white or colorless dyes in the presence of heat, converting them to a dark color. BPA can transfer readily to skin in small amounts from these papers. Its damage to environment and organisms has caused an extensive concern. In the present study, thermal paper used at the local automated teller machine counters of India were analyzed for the presence of BPA, and the capability of the paper to produce estrogenicity were assessed using a yeast two-hybrid assay experimental system. The study also focused on eliminating the endocrine-disrupting properties with partially purified laccase from newly isolated ascomycete fungi. The results indicate that these papers can produce estrogen hormone-like effect on experimental systems. It should be noted that on a daily basis, tons of such receipts are being dumped in the environment. Estrogenic properties of thermal paper were effectively removed from the reaction mixture within 3 h of incubation with the partially purified enzyme. We propose the utilization of waste thermal paper as a cheap substrate for laccase production for a safer and cleaner environment.

This chapter describes a method for fabricating three-dimensional (3D), paper-based microfluidic devices that contain internal timers for running quantitative, time-based assays. The method involves patterning microfluidic channels into paper, and cutting double-sided adhesive tape into defined patterns. Patterned paper and tape are assembled layer by layer to create 3D microfluidic devices that are capable of distributing microliter volumes of a sample into multiple regions on a device for conducting multiple assays simultaneously. Paraffin wax is incorporated into defined regions within the device to provide control over the distribution rate of a sample, and food coloring is included in defined regions within the device to provide an unambiguous readout when the sample has reached the bottom of the device (this latter feature is the endpoint of the timer).

A new type of paper based bioassay for the colorimetric detection of phenolic compounds including phenol, bisphenol A, catechol and cresols is reported. The sensor is based on a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly approach formed by alternatively depositing layers of chitosan and alginate polyelectrolytes onto filter paper and physically entrapping the tyrosinase enzyme in between these layers. The sensor response is quantified as a color change resulting from the specific binding of the enzymatically generated quinone to the multilayers of immobilized chitosan on the paper. The color change can be quantified with the naked eye but a digitalized picture can also be used to provide more sensitive comparison to a calibrated color scheme. The sensor was optimized with respect to the number of layers, pH, enzyme, chitosan and alginate amounts. The colorimetric response was concentration dependent, with a detection limit of 0.86 (±0.1) μg/L for each of the phenolic compounds tested. The response time required for the sensor to reach steady-state color varied between 6 and 17 min depending on the phenolic substrate. The sensor showed excellent storage stability at room temperature for several months (92% residual activity after 260 days storage) and demonstrated good functionality in real environmental samples. A procedure to mass-produce the bioactive sensors by inkjet printing the LbL layers of polyelectrolyte and enzyme on paper is demonstrated.

Pulp and paper industry is facing challenges such as resource scarcity and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The objective of this research is to investigate whether the use of new coatings (micro or nano TiO(2)) and different pulp types could bring savings in wood, energy, GHG emissions and other environmental impacts in comparison with conventional printing and writing paper. We studied three types of pulp, namely i) unbleached virgin kraft pulp, ii) recovered fiber, and iii) high yield virgin chemithermo-mechanical pulp (CTMP). A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted from cradle to grave. Applying attributional modeling, we found that wood savings amount to 60% for the nanoparticle coated recovered fiber paper and 35% for the micro TiO(2) coated CTMP paper. According to the ReCiPe single score impact assessment method, the new product configurations allow the reduction of the environmental impacts by 10-35% compared to conventional kraft paper. Applying consequential modeling, we found larger energy and GHG emission savings compared to attributional modeling because the saved wood is used for producing energy, thereby replacing fossil fuels. The nanoparticle coated recovered fiber paper offered savings of non-renewable energy use (NREU) by 100% (13GJ/ton paper) and GHG emission reduction by 75% (0.6 tonCO(2)eq./ton paper). Micro TiO(2) coated CTMP paper offered NREU savings by 25% (3GJ/ton paper) and savings of GHG emissions by 10% (0.1 tonCO(2)eq./ton paper). The taking into account of all environmental impacts with the ReCiPe single score method leads to comparable results as that of attributional modeling. We conclude that the nanoparticle coated recovered fiber paper offered the highest savings and lowest environmental impacts. However, human toxicity and ecotoxicity impacts of the nanoparticles were not included in this analysis and need further research. If this leads to the conclusion that the toxicity impacts of the nanoparticles are serious, then the CTMP paper with micro TiO(2) coating is the preferred option., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A life cycle assessment was conducted using IMPACT2002+ to estimate the environmental impact of producing printing and writing paper, which is entirely made with wastepaper. To confirm and add credibility to the study, uncertainty analysis was conducted using Taylor series expansion. Printing and writing paper produced from wood pulp was assessed for comparison. Compared with the wood pulp contained scenario, printing and writing paper made from wastepaper represented environmental benefit on non-carcinogens, respiratory inorganics, global warming, and non-renewable energy categories. In both scenarios, the technologies significantly contribute to the potential impacts of non-carcinogens, respiratory inorganics, terrestrial ecotoxicity, global warming, and non-renewable energy. The influence of the technologies on the way other categories affect the environment was negligible. Improved efficiency in electricity consumption, decreased transport distance from raw material buyers to suppliers, and change in the end-life treatment of solid waste from landfill to incineration are the key factors in reducing the overall environmental impact., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Paper is ubiquitous in everyday life and a truly low-cost substrate. The use of paper substrates could be extended even further, if electronic applications would be applied next to or below the printed graphics. However, applying electronics on paper is challenging. The paper surface is not only very rough compared to plastics, but is also porous. While this is detrimental for most electronic devices manufactured directly onto paper substrates, there are also approaches that are compatible with the rough and absorptive paper surface. In this review, recent advances and possibilities of these approaches are evaluated and the limitations of paper electronics are discussed., (Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Latent fingermarks were deposited onto white office paper samples containing writing or printing from several media (for example, ballpoint pens and laser printers). Fingermarks were deposited both before and after writing/printing. The marks were then treated with appropriate latent fingermark development techniques. Once treated, they were examined with standard techniques applied in document examination (filtered light analysis, electrostatic detection device and Raman spectroscopy) to determine the sequence of application. The results suggested that the sequence of laser printing and latent marks could be determined via electrostatic detection device examination of undeveloped and Ninhydrin developed samples., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)