Chemical signal amplification in two-dimensional paper networks

Two-dimensional paper networks (2DPNs) hold great potential for extending the utility of paper-based chemical and biochemical diagnostics at a cost and ease-of-use that are comparable to conventional lateral flow strips. 2DPNs enable the automated sequential delivery of multiple reagents to a detection region with a single user activation step, and therefore have the potential to extend the processing capabilities of inexpensive paper-based assays with comparable ease of use to conventional lateral flow tests. In this communication, we used a simple 3 inlet 2DPN to perform signal amplification of a colloidal gold label using a gold enhancement solution, thus demonstrating the capability of 2DPNs to perform processes that can improve limits of detection. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.