Point-of-care (POC) assays are used for detecting and quantifying analytes in environments that lack laboratory infrastructure. Quantitative POC assays are the most challenging to perform. They require measurements of both the duration of the assay and the output signal, and generally require both a handheld reader and a separate external timer. The ideal POC assay, as outlined by the World Health Organization, should be inexpensive, easy to use, and be equipment free. Our research seeks to address these challenges by creating quantitative POC assays that operate without using instruments or electronic readers. We recently developed a proof-of-concept strategy that is based on controlling the flow of sample through paper in a way that depends both on the presence and concentration of a specific analyte. These assays use paper microfluidic devices and are able to quantify the levels of an analyte by measuring the time required for color to appear in a region on the device. The assays are based on selective changes in wetting properties of paper that has been modified with specific reagents that convert from hydrophobic to hydrophilic in response to a specific analyte.

Development of quantitative paper-based point-of-care assays that do not require electronic readers

248th National Meeting (2014)

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