Laser direct-write technique for enabling novel functionalities in paper-based devices

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This project focusses on the use of a laser-based direct-write (LDW) technique developed within our group for creation of novel microfluidic devices in porous substrates such as paper. The proprietary technique involves local deposition of a photo-polymer onto a porous substrate at pre-defined locations, and its subsequent polymerisation by exposure from a laser source to form hydrophobic structures that define and demarcate the fluidic flow path and therefore the fluidic device in the porous substrate. The focus of this project is to further explore the usefulness of this LDW technique in improving the performance of laser-patterned microfluidics devices through incorporation of additional functionalities that can allow for the use of such devices in real world point-of-care scenarios. The primary objectives of the project is to develop approaches that use 'smart optically-triggered gates', laser-patterned within a paper-based microfluidic device to implement the following: improvements in sensitivity of the device, quantitative measurements of either a single or multiple biomarkers, detection of multiple biomarkers within a single device and finally, simplification of the sample preparation step - all of which are highly desired for diagnostic applications.