pH and CO2 Sensing by Curcumin-Coloured Cellophane Test Strip

Evaluation of cellophane as platform for colorimetric assays on microfluidic analytical devices

Due to their low cost, simplicity, and pump-free liquid transport properties, colorimetric assays on paper spots and microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) are regarded as useful tools for point-of-care testing (POCT). However, for certain types of colorimetric assays, the "non-transparent" and "white" characters of paper can be a disadvantage. In this work, the possibilities of using cellophane as an alternative platform for colorimetric assays have been investigated. Cellophane is a low cost and easy-to-handle transparent film made of regenerated cellulose. Owing to its hydrophilic character, cellophane-based microfluidic channels fabricated through a print-cut-laminate approach enabled pump-free liquid transport into multiple detection areas, similar to µPADs. In addition, the water absorption characteristics of cellophane allowed the stable immobilization of water-soluble colorimetric indicators without any surface modification or additional reagents. The transparency of cellophane provides possibilities for simple background coloring of the substrates, increasing the dynamic signal range for hue-based colorimetric assays, as demonstrated for two model assays targeting H₂O₂ (46-fold increase) and creatinine (3.6-fold increase). Finally, a turbidity detection-based protein assay was realized on black background cellophane spots. The lowest limits of detection achieved with the cellophane-based devices were calculated as 7 µM for H₂O₂, 2.7 mg dL^-1 for creatinine, and 3.5 mg dL^-1 for protein (human serum albumin).

Paper based microfluidics: A forecast toward the most affordable and rapid point-of-care devices

The microfluidic industry has evolved through years with acquired scientific knowledge from different, and already developed industries. Consequently, a wide range of materials like silicon from the electronic industry to all the way, silicone, from the chemical engineering industry, has been spotted to solve similar challenges. Although a typical microfluidic chip, fabricated from glass or polymer substrates offers definite benefits, however, paper-based microfluidic analytical devices (μPADs) possess numerous special benefits for practical implementation at a lower price. Owing to these features, in recent years, paper microfluidics has drawn immense interest from researchers in industry and academia alike. These devices have wider applications with advantages like lower cost, speedy detection, user-easiness, biocompatibility, sensitivity, and specificity etc. when compared to other microfluidic devices. Therefore, these sensitive but affordable devices fit themselves into point-of-care (POC) testing with features in demand like natural disposability, situational flexibility, and the capability to store and analyze the target at the point of requirement. Gradually, advancements in fabrication technologies, assay development techniques, and improved packaging capabilities, have contributed significantly to the real-time identification and health investigation through paper microfluidics; however, the growth has not been limited to the biomedical field; industries like electronics, energy storage and many more have expanded substantially. Here, we represent an overall state of the paper-based microfluidic technology by covering the fundamentals, working principles, different fabrication procedures, applications for various needs and then to make things more practical, the real-life scenario and practical challenges involved in launching a device into the market have been revealed. To conclude, recent contribution of μPADs in the 2020 pandemic and potential future possibilities have been reviewed.

A green-PAD array combined with chemometrics for pH measurements

This work presents the development of a green paper-based analytical device (Green-PAD) array for pH detection.

Eco-friendly pH detecting paper-based analytical device: Towards process intensification

This work describes the development of a miniaturized paper-based pH detection platform using natural dye extracted from red cabbage (Brassica oleracea). The easily available paper was used as a substrate and the requisite patterned zone was created with the aid of a punching machine. Experimental parameters were optimized to obtain the best signal readout. The performance of the device at different pH values was quantitatively assessed using digital image analysis with various color space models. Regression analysis suggested that a∗ parameter in CIEL∗a∗b∗ color space model, which captures the variations on the red-green scale, exhibited the best fit with experimental data (R² = 0.9754). This parameter was used for the quantitative estimation of pH variations in a wide range of pH (1-12). A series of real test samples were examined using the paper-based device and results validated with a standard pH meter. The use of paper and natural dye makes the device eco-friendly. The simplicity of fabrication, ease of usage and low reagent and sample volume requirements render the methodology suitable for in situ measurements of pH. The approach demonstrated here would pave the way for the development of clean, sustainable and intensified chemical sensor technologies.

A pH-Sensing Film from Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide with Litmus Lichen Extract as an Indicator

A new pH-sensing film was developed by using tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) and natural dye extracted from litmus lichen (LLE). The addition of LLE from 0 to 2.5% decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break from 30.20 to 29.97 MPa and 69.73% to 60.13%, respectively, but increased the water vapor permeability from 0.399 × 10⁻⁹ to 0.434 × 10⁻⁹ g·s⁻¹·m⁻¹·Pa⁻¹. The UV–Vis spectra of the litmus lichen extract (LLE) in the pH range of 4–10 showed that the color clearly changed from orange to blue. The characterization results showed that TSP interacted with LLE through hydrogen bonds. The color of the film varied from orange (pH 4.0) to blue-violet (pH 10.0). The full cream milk spoilage test indicated that the film is suitable for application in full cream milk spoilage detection. The developed pH-sensing film could be used as a promising diagnostic tool for the detection of food spoilage.