Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices fabricated by low-cost photolithography and embossing of Parafilm (R)

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (mu PADs) attract tremendous attention as an economical tool for in-field diagnosis, food safety and environmental monitoring. We innovatively fabricated 2D and 3D mu PADs by photolithography-patterning microchannels on a Parafilm (R) and subsequently embossing them to paper. This truly low-cost, wax printer and cutter plotter independent approach offers the opportunity for researchers from resource-limited laboratories to work on paper-based analytical devices.