Fabrication of paper-based analytical devices by a laminating method with thermal ink ribbons, sticky notes, and office appliances

A stencil printing method utilizing sticky notes, a thermal transfer ink ribbon, and office appliances for paper-based analytical device (PAD) fabrication was proposed. A sticky note was attached to a filter paper, and a mask pattern was cut using a cutting machine. A commercially available thermal ink ribbon was then placed over the mask and laminated. We have characterized the fabricated devices. This approach could be used for the fast and mass prototyping of PADs using simple office appliances with no need for a wax printer.

Automated summary

This study proposes a stencil printing method for the fabrication of paper-based analytical devices (PADs) using sticky notes, a thermal transfer ink ribbon, and office appliances. A sticky note is attached to a filter paper, and a mask pattern is cut using a cutting machine. Then, a commercially available thermal ink ribbon is placed over the mask and laminated. The fabricated devices are characterized. This approach allows for fast and mass prototyping of PADs using simple office appliances without the need for a wax printer.