Wang Chang-Ming, Chen Chong-You, Liao Wei-Ssu
Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
Anal Chim Acta. 2017 Apr 22;963:93-98. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2017.01.044. Epub 2017 Jan 31.
Polymer film incorporated paper-based devices show advantages in simplicity and rugged backing. However, their applications are restricted by the high fluorescence background interference of conventional laminating pouches. Herein, we report a straightforward approach for minimal fluorescence background device fabrication, in which filter paper was shaped and laminated in between two biaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB) composite films. This composite film provides mechanical strength for enhanced device durability, protection from environmental contamination, and prevents reagent degradation. This approach was tested by the determination of copper ions with a fluorescent probe, while the detection of glucose was used to illustrate the improved device durability. Our results show that lamination by the polymer composite lengthens device lifetime, while allowing for fluorescence detection methods combination with greatly reduced fluorescent background widely present in commercially available lamination pouches. By the combination of rapid device prototyping with low cost materials, we believe that this composite design would further expand the potential of paper-based devices.
