Integrated paper-based microfluidic devices for point-of-care testing

As a rapidly developing field, paper-based microfluidic devices (mu PADs) are expected to have profound implications, especially for in vitro diagnosis. In particular, integrated mu PADs, with the merits of capillary-driven force, cost effectiveness, mass production and ease of use, are emerging as ideal tools for personal diagnosis; sample collection/pretreatment, signal transduction and results output can be simplified into one mu PAD with minimal need for complex operation. In this review, we emphasize the latest developments of integrated mu PADs and highlight the accomplishments and challenges of each component, including sample collection/pretreatment, signal transduction and amplification, and results output. Moreover, we give an overview of the growing trend of novel integrated mu PADs and analyze existing challenges as well as potential directions for integrated mu PADs for point-of-care testing (POCT).