Scalable Low-Cost Fabrication of Disposable Paper Sensors for DNA Detection

Abstract

Controlled integration of features that enhance the analytical performance of a sensor chip is a challenging task in the development of paper sensors. A critical issue in the fabrication of low-cost biosensor chips is the activation of the device surface in a reliable and controllable manner compatible with large-scale production. Here, we report stable, well-adherent, and repeatable site-selective deposition of bioreactive amine functionalities and biorepellant polyethylene glycol-like (PEG) functionalities on paper sensors by aerosol-assisted, atmospheric-pressure, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. This approach requires only 20 s of deposition time, compared to previous reports on cellulose functionalization, which takes hours. A detailed analysis of the near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and its sensitivity to the local electronic structure of the carbon and nitrogen functionalities. σ*, π*, and Rydberg transitions in C and N K-edges are presented. Application of the plasma-processed paper sensors in DNA detection is also demonstrated.

A wearable biochemical sensor for monitoring alcohol consumption lifestyle through Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) detection in human sweat

“…Flexible substrates such as polyimide (Kapton), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), among others have long been employed in the printed electronics industry 30 31 32 . Owing to their intrinsic plasticity, hydrophobicity, excellent dielectric properties, thermal stability, low coefficient of thermal expansion, structural resiliency against repeated bending forces, and compatibility with roll-to-roll fabrication processes for low cost and scalable manufacturing; these flexible substrates have served as the platform of choice in various printed circuit board assemblies 33 . Recently, electrochemical devices that leverage these materials for the fabrication of thin-film sensors aim at coupling the merits of flexible substrates listed above along with their electrochemically inert nature 31 34 35 36 .…”

Pencil-on-Paper Sensor for Water Detection

“…Extensive research is being carried out into the development of affordable and adaptable sensing gadgets [1][2][3][4][5]. Owing to their minimalism, affordability, and the rapidity with which they can be manufactured, paper sensors have been garnering more attention [6][7][8][9]. For instance, Gandhiraman et al are working on scalable and inexpensive single-use paper sensors for use in the field of DNA detection on the basis of chemical vapor deposition [9].…”

“…Owing to their minimalism, affordability, and the rapidity with which they can be manufactured, paper sensors have been garnering more attention [6][7][8][9]. For instance, Gandhiraman et al are working on scalable and inexpensive single-use paper sensors for use in the field of DNA detection on the basis of chemical vapor deposition [9]. In addition, microfluidic construction, jet printing, and photolithography have been studied with an eye to the manufacture of a cheap and straightforward paper sensor.…”

Dual purpose fibre – SERS pH sensing and bacterial analysis

“…[12][13][14] Paper based substrates for SERS sensing and detection are gaining traction as point-of-care systems due to their low cost and flexible nature. [15][16][17] One of the difficulties is directing the deposition of NP, due to the inherent wicking ability of filter paper which is both quick and uncontrolled. The use of patterning with a hydrophobic ink can assist with some of these issues, by defining a specified SERS sensing region.…”