Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices for the Determination of Food Contaminants: Developments and Applications

Abstract

Food safety is an issue that cannot be ignored at any time because of the great impact of food contaminants on people's daily life, social production, and the economy. Because of the extensive demand for high-quality food, it is necessary to develop rapid, reliable, and efficient devices for food contaminant detection. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have been applied in a variety of detection fields owing to the advantages of low-cost, ease of handling, and portability. This review systematically discusses the latest progress of μPADs, including the fundamentals of fabrication as well as applications in the detection of chemical and biological hazards in foods, hoping to provide suitable screening strategies for contaminants in foods and accelerating the technology transformation of μPADs from the lab into the field.

Digitally Controlled Printing of Bioink Barriers for Paper-Based Analytical Devices: An Environmentally Friendly One-Step Approach

“…Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) have emerged as a powerful tool for a myriad of applications, such as point-of-care diagnostics, , bioanalysis, food and drug analyses, − and environmental monitoring . Several fabrication methods have been reported, divided into six categories: handmade, semiautomated, batch, laboratory-based, printer-based, and roll-to-roll fabrication, with all of them having practical pros and cons. , Among those, wax printing is one of the most popular techniques, considered as a near-ideal strategy since it brings together midscale production, affordability, and user-friendliness.…”

Trends in Paper-Based Sensing Devices for Clinical and Environmental Monitoring

“…al. has critically examined the development of different microfluidic paper-based analytical devices for food contaminant detection [ 29 ].…”

Dual Chromatic Laser-Printed Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Device (μPAD) for the Detection of Atrazine in Water

“…This may hinder the widespread use and manufacture of μPADs in regions with limited resources and developing countries. Additionally, the operation and maintenance of such equipment require skilled personnel, adding to their production cost. − The high cost of equipment and technical expertise required makes them impractical in resource-limited settings. As such, efforts to develop cost-effective and user-friendly techniques are being pursued in research to enhance the accessibility of μPADs for more comprehensive applications.…”

“…One promising approach to fabricating and mass-producing μPADs is printing techniques that deposit digitally designed patterns onto paper substrates. Several printing techniques are available, such as inkjet and wax printing. − Wax printing is a popular technique that involves printing a wax pattern onto a paper substrate, which creates hydrophobic barriers that define microfluidic channels. Inkjet printing, on the other hand, uses ink droplets to print patterns directly onto a paper substrate.…”

“…Both techniques have advantages and limitations regarding resolution, versatility, and scalability. Wax printing uses relatively costly printers, whereas inkjet printing uses various solvents that can damage the cartridge over time. − Therefore, the printing feasibility still needs further enhancement to be applicable in resource-limited settings.…”