A microfluidic paper-based electrochemical biosensor array for multiplexed detection of metabolic biomarkers

Abstract

Paper-based microfluidic devices have emerged as simple yet powerful platforms for performing low-cost analytical tests. This paper reports a microfluidic paper-based electrochemical biosensor array for multiplexed detection of physiologically relevant metabolic biomarkers. Different from existing paper-based electrochemical devices, our device includes an array of eight electrochemical sensors and utilizes a handheld custom-made electrochemical reader (potentiostat) for signal readout. The biosensor array can detect several analytes in a sample solution and produce multiple measurements for each analyte from a single run. Using the device, we demonstrate simultaneous detection of glucose, lactate and uric acid in urine, with analytical performance comparable to that of the existing commercial and paper-based platforms. The paper-based biosensor array and its electrochemical reader will enable the acquisition of high-density, statistically meaningful diagnostic information at the point of care in a rapid and cost-efficient way.

• paper-based microfluidics
• biosensors
• electrochemical detection
• multiplexing
• metabolic markers
• disease diagnostics

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by Grand Challenge Canada (through a Star in Global Health Award), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, Canadian Research Chairs Program, and McGill University.