In this study we investigated the influence of cellulosic network structure on the performance of paper-based blood typing devices. In the experimental design we isolated the influence of fibre types to the paper structure from all other possible influencing factors by removing the fines from the pulps and not using any additives. Mercury porosimetry was employed to characterize the pore structures of cellulosic networks. The results show that papers of low basis weight made with short hardwood fibres have higher porosity (i.e. void fraction) and simpler pore structures than those made with long softwood fibres. RBC transport in paper carried by saline solution was investigated in two modes, i.e., the lateral chromatographic elution and vertical flow-through. Results showed complexity of the paper internal pore structure has dominant influence on the transport of RBCs in paper. Hardwood fibre sheets of low basis weight have high porosity and simple internal pore structures; they allow easy transport of RBCs. Blood typing sensors build with low basis weight hardwood fibres deliver assays of high clarity. Softwood fibre papers are found to have more complex pore structures, which make RBC transport more difficult, leading to blood typing results of low clarity. This study provides the principle of cellulosic network design for paper-based blood typing sensors.

Improve blood typing performance within paper substrate through cellulosic network structure design

249th National Meeting (2015)

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