DEVELOPMENT OF PAPER-BASED MICROFLUIDIC ANALYTICAL DEVICE (μPAD) FOR DETECTION OF SARS-COV-2

Paper-based biosensors are highly preferred today as a self-operating microfluidic biosensor as a new generation biosensor due to its portability, low cost and simple fabrication. Biosensors known as paper-based microfluidic analytical devices (mu PAD), which have been used in a wide range of point-of-care analysis (Point-Of-Care-POC) applications in recent years, have begun to replace traditional diagnostic devices, especially in biomedical applications. Today, there are many different methods for the production of mu PADs such as photolithography, inkjet printing, wax printing, paper cutting, plotting and plasma treatment. As an alternative to all these production methods, a new fabrication method has been developed for paper-based microfluidic devices created with toner using a laser printer. Washburn test was performed to examine the capillary flow performance of hydrophilic channels created on paper with the help of toner. In addition, the wettability of hydrophobic barriers created with toner was determined by measuring the water contact angle. In order to test the success of the created system, the detection of a new type of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been tested on the system. Since the fabrication of the developed system is made with the toner used in laser printers, it is one of the lowest cost and most accessible methods performed until now, and it has a commercial product potential that can be used in the diagnosis of many diseases.