Simple Way To Fabricate Novel Paper-Based Valves Using Plastic Comb Binding Spines

Abstract

A novel strategy for fabricating the paper-based valves on microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) was described to control fluid in a user-friendly way. Initial prototypes of 3D μPADs manipulate the spatial distribution of fluid within the device. The movable paper channel in a different layer could be achieved using the channel's connection or disconnection to realize the valve function using plastic comb binding spines (PCBS). The entire valve manipulation process was similar to a desk calendar that can be flipped over and turned back. It is notable that this kind of PCBS valve can control a fluid in a simple and easy way without the timing setting or any trigger, and this advantage makes it user-friendly for untrained users to carry out the complex and high throughput operations. The reusable plastic comb binding spines greatly reduce the cost of fabricating paper-based valves. To evaluate the performance, the actual samples of Fe (II) and nitrite were successfully analyzed. We hope this method will introduce a new approach to fabrication of paper-based valves on μPADs in the future.