Laser engraved microapillary pump paper-based microfluidic device for colorimetric and electrochemical detection of salivary thiocyanate

A microcapillary grooved paper-based analytical device capable of dual-mode sensing (colorimetric and electrochemical detection) was demonstrated for analysis of viscous samples (e.g., human saliva). Herein, a hollow capillary channel was constructed via laser engraved micropatterning functions as a micropump to facilitate viscous fluidic transport, which would otherwise impede analysis on paper devices. Using salivary thiocyanate as a model analyte, the proposed device was found to exhibit a promising sensing ability on paper devices without the need for sample pretreatment or bulky instrumentation, as normally required in conventional methods used for saliva analysis. An extensive linear dynamic range covering detection of salivary thiocyanate for both high and trace level regimes (5 orders of magnitude working range) was collectively achieved using the dual-sensing modes. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection was 6 mu mol L-1 with a RSD of less than 5%. An excellent stability for the mu pumpPAD was also observed for over 30 days. Real sample analysis using the proposed device was found to be in line with the standard chromatographic method. Benefitting from simple fabrication and operation, portability, disposability, low sample volume (20 mu L), and low cost (< 1 USD), the mu pumpPAD is an exceptional alternative tool for the detection of various biomarkers in saliva specimens.

Automated summary

A novel microcapillary grooved paper-based analytical device capable of dual-mode sensing (colorimetric and electrochemical detection) has been developed for analysis of viscous samples (e.g., human saliva), showing promising sensing ability without the need for sample pretreatment or bulky instrumentation. The device achieved an extensive linear dynamic range covering detection of salivary thiocyanate for both high and trace levels, with a limit of detection of 6 μmol L-1 and excellent stability for over 30 days, making it a portable, disposable, low-cost alternative tool for biomarker detection in saliva specimens.