Paper-Based Microfluidic Sensors for Onsite Environmental Detection: A Critical Review

A newly developed research topic, fabricated paper-based microfluidic sensors, was discussed in the field of low-cost environmental detection. Distinguished with the traditional dipstick or lateral-flow setups, these paper-based microfluidic sensors can serve as a tool for onsite quantitative and semi-quantitative measurements, without risks to cause environmental pollution. They have attracted increasing interest since the first easy-fabricated paper-based setup reported by Whitesides group in 2007. Most of the publications utilized paper-based sensors in clinical detection. In recent years, some groups started to use these sensors in environmental measurement, leading to precise, easy operation, low-cost, and eco-friendly methods for onsite detection. In this review, paper-based microfluidic sensors were briefly introduced, followed by literatures review and discussion for future perspectives.