Date of Award

9-2016

Degree Name

MS in Biomedical Engineering

Department/Program

Biomedical and General Engineering

Advisor

David Clague

Abstract

3-D paper-based microfluidic devices (micoPADs) are small and portable devices made out of paper that offer a promising platform for diagnostic applications outside of a laboratory. These devices are easy to use, low cost, require no power source, and capable of detecting multiple targets simultaneously. The work in this thesis demonstrated the ability of a 3-D paper-microfluidic platform to simultaneously detect 5 targets. Rubber cord stock was used in conjunction with an acrylic housing unit to apply pressure along the edge of the channel. The indirect pressure application was successful in promoting vertical fluid flow between layers. Average channel development times were recorded between 110 seconds and 150 seconds.

The implementation of the 3-D paper-microfluidic platform as a diagnostic device was validated with a colorimetric glucose assay. In a novel application, reagents were deposited onto the 3-D platform via a glucose reagent pencil created by Martinez et al. A visual signal was observed for the successful detection of glucose at a concentration of 1.2 mM. These results offer promise for future work in combing new reagent deposition techniques with a multi-layer paper-microfluidic platform. Overall, this research made advancements in the design of a paper-microfluidic platform capable of the simultaneous detection of 5 targets.

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