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'Lab On a Chip' Made From Paper and Tape

Posted by timothy on from the either-a-duct-a-mask-or-a-scotch dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Researchers at Harvard University have developed a microfluidic device using ordinary paper and tape. Squares of paper are layered and connected with adhesive tape, channeling liquid horizontally and vertically in a very small area. Each square of paper has been treated with photoresist material, which creates channels that funnel liquid into tiny wells containing certain proteins or antibodies. The fluid interacts with that area of the paper and turns the well a certain color. It can, for example, detect varying concentrations of glucose. Lead researcher George Whitesides says such paper 'lab on a chip' tests may lead to a cost-effective, portable, and accurate method for diagnosing diseases in countries lacking reliable health care. The research appears in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science."

3 of 66 comments (clear)

  1. tape and ordinary paper? by shawb · · Score: 5, Insightful

    In my experience, "ordinary paper" is generally not the same thing as "treated with photoresist material, which creates channels that funnel liquid into tiny wells containing certain proteins or antibodies."

    I'd be willing to hazard a guess that it's not the paper or tape that will be making up the bulk of the testing device's price.

    --
    I'll never make that mistake again, reading the experts' opinions. - Feynman
  2. Countries that *don't* lack reliable health care? by mfnickster · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "...such paper "lab on a chip" tests may lead to a cost-effective, portable, and accurate method for diagnosing diseases in countries lacking reliable health care."

    How about a cost-effective, portable, and accurate method in countries where we're used to overpaying for the NON-cost-effective methods?

    --
    "Slow down, Cowboy! It has been 3 years, 7 months and 26 days since you last successfully posted a comment."
  3. Re:grants are nice by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Millions in grant money and they came up with "a cost-effective, portable, and accurate method for diagnosing diseases in countries lacking reliable health care."

    I don't care if it's made of dogshit and orange peel, if it saves lives then it's money well spent. Just because something's not made of high-tech materials doesn't mean it can't be innovative or useful. In fact low-tech often means cheap and widely available, so it can be a good thing.

    Check out the pot it pot refrigerator for a innovative low-tech solution that is changing peoples' lives for the better right now.