NANOPAD · Nano cellulose based paper diagnostic devices

Diagnostic devices made of patterned papers devices, termed microfluidic paper-based analytical devices PADs, are a new platform designed for ASSURED (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and robust, Equipment free and Deliverable to end-users) point-of-care POC diagnostic assays. PADs overcome many disadvantages of strip test devices and offer completely new opportunities to POC.The design paradigm of PAD is based on creating a complete Lab on a chip, including 2D/3D micro fluidic systems, filtering, biosensing and readout, all combined on a stamp sized piece of paper.The use of conventional paper as a substrate for developing PAD depends on numerous advantages:- The porous structure of paper allows manipulation of fluids through the bulk of the materials, allowing for active fluidics, and filtering.- Paper is thin, lightweight, many dimensions and form factors, easy to stack, store, and transport.- Cellulose is compatible with biological samples, and can be chemically functionalized to bound to proteins, DNA, or small molecules.- Paper is flammable, so PADs can be disposed of by incineration easily and safely after use- Compatibility with printing technologies enables micro fabrication PADs cheap and efficient.In this project conducting polymer based organic electrochemical transistors will be printed inside PADs and used as a tool for high sensitive diagnostics in PAD.Nanofibrialted cellulose and nanopaper will be explored for creating new and highly sensitive PAD devices, specially for colorimetric analysis on enzyme markers, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)Finally chemically functionalized nanofibrilated cellulose will be explored for covalent attachment of proteins inside nanopaper for high-sensitive and precise paper diagnostics.