3D Printed Power Source for Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Point-of-care (POC) devices require more advanced detection techniques than those currently available to achieve enhanced quantification and sensitivity. Incorporating a micro power supply could be a viable solution to enable the implementation of these techniques. In recent years, paper-based microfluidic galvanic cells (mu GCs) have emerged as promising disposable power sources; however, the fabrication process remains labor intensive. This study demonstrates the potential of three-dimensional printing as a novel fabrication method for mu GCs. The autonomous mu GCs are fabricated using a powder-based 3DPed method, resulting in a porous body in which capillary forces enable the coflow of redox-active solutions. As a proof of concept, a handheld glucometer is powered by coupling four mu GCs in series. Binder-jetting 3D printing enables the fabrication of autonomous microfluidic platforms. Employing this technology, a microfluidic galvanic cell is developed wherein redox-active reagents coflow between two electrodes, generating energy. Through the optimization of the electrode's surface areas and the arrangement of multiple cells in series, the power source is capable of generating sufficient energy to power a glucometer.image (c) 2024 WILEY-VCH GmbH