Paper-based microfluidic devices, also known as microPADs, are a promising platform for the development of point-of-care diagnostic devices. MicroPADs are portable, inexpensive, simple to operate, and can analyze small volumes of fluids without relying on electrical power or supporting equipment. To fabricate paper-based devices, hydrophobic inks are patterned onto sheets of paper to create hydrophobic barriers that define hydrophilic channels and test zones. Wax printing, where a solid ink printer is used to pattern wax on paper, has been the most convenient and popular method for fabricating paper-based microfluidic devices. Unfortunately, solid ink printers were discontinued in 2016 and are no longer available commercially. We present a new method of fabricating microPADs using a thermal transfer printer. In this approach, patterns are printed on paper with the thermal transfer printer, and then hydrophobic barriers are formed by heating the paper to melt the ink. This new method was optimized and compared to results obtained using a laser printer. The ease of use and portability of the thermal transfer printer make this approach an exciting prospect for the future development of paper-based microfluidic devices.

Beyond wax printing: Fabrication of paper-based microfluidic devices using a thermal transfer printer

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