Description:
Technology Summary
Recently, there has been a growing interest in the field of paper-based microfluidcs. This technology is being utilized for medical screening, point-of-care (POC) applications, and environmental monitoring. However, most of these devices still require expensive equipment or personnel. The new chemically patterned paper-microfluidic device (cPMD) can be used for a vast range of biomedical and environmental applications. The forces of the paper generate fluid flow without the need for external pumps. This technology allows for diagnostics analysis of various biochemical structures including 2D and 3D networks via a chemical patterning technique without the use of expensive machinery, or the limitations of high temperatures. Additionally, this new method involves coating the paper to create localized hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. The technique has been validated by various successful patterns and bioassays.
This versatile type of sensor can potentially be used for detecting tuberculosis, lead concentration in drinking water, and many more applications. There is currently a need for cost effective screening devices, especially in third world countries. This new device will eliminate the need for expensive equipment and specially trained personnel to analyze the results.
Reference Number
D-1526
Market Applications
-Biomedical Screening of Diseases
-Environmental Monitoring (i.e. toxic metals in drinking water)
Features, Benefits and Advantages
-Repeatable & Versatile method
-No temperature limitations like the current technologies on the market.
-Eliminates the need for expensive printers.
-Utilizes smart phones instead of a bench-top systems.
Intellectual Property
A U.S. Provisional patent application was filed on 4/26/18, serial number 62663174, and a continuation in part was to be filed by 7/13/18.
A previous patent application related to the technology was also filed 4/21/15, and converted to a utility patent on 4/21/2016, serial number 15135326.
Development Stage
Prototypes have been made to test Nickel, Cr, Hg, and glucose.
Researchers
Jungkyu Kim, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Jasmine Pramila Devadhasan, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Keywords
Microfluidics, CVD Microfluidics, cPMD, TCS Microfluidics, Paper Microfluidics, diagnostics, environmental testing