Simultaneous multiple assays on microfluidic cloth-based analytical devices

Abstract

This paper describes a new class of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices for quantifying multiple assays by fabricating microfluidic devices on cotton cloth. This kind of microfluidic systems is appropriate for colorimetric assays that are low-cost, portable and simple to fabricate and to operate. Hydrophilic channels with hydrophobic barriers can be created using wax-resist patterning technique on cotton cloth fabric inspired from traditional batik technique. Using capillary force, the porosity of woven fabric and threads can wick micro volumes of aqueous samples from sample inlet into reaction zones across the hydrophilic channels for the mixing of their contents. These devices can be designed to perform single and multiple colorimetric assays of body fluids. The result can be observed by unaided human eye or by using digital camera and image analysis software.