Title:Recent Developments in Microfluidic Paper-based Analytical Devices for
Pharmaceutical Analysis
Volume: 22
Issue: 27
Author(s): Wisarut Khamcharoen, Kantima Kaewjua, Phanumas Yomthiangthae, Ananyaporn Anekrattanasap, Orawon Chailapakul and Weena Siangproh*
Affiliation:
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Sukhumvit 23, Wattana, Bangkok, 10110,
Thailand
Keywords:
Microfluidic paper-based analytical device, Drug delivery, Therapeutic monitoring of drug, Drug quality control, Drug abuse, Point-of-care.
Abstract: In the last decade, due to the global increase in diseases, drugs for biomedical applications
have increased dramatically. Therefore, there is an urgent need for analytical tools to monitor,
treat, investigate, and control drug compounds in diverse matrices. The new and challenging task
has been looking for simple, low-cost, rapid, and portable analytical platforms. The development of
microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) has garnered immense attention in many analytical
applications due to the benefit of cellulose structure. It can be functionalized and serves as an
ideal channel and scaffold for the transportation and immobilization of various substances. Microfluidic
technology has been considered an effective tool in pharmaceutical analysis that facilitates
the quantitative measurement of several parameters on cells or other biological systems. The
μPADs represent unique advantages over conventional microfluidics, such as the self-pumping capability.
They have low material costs, are easy to fabricate, and do not require external power
sources. This review gives an overview of the current designs in this decade for μPADs and their
respective application in pharmaceutical analysis. These include device designs, choice of paper
material, and fabrication techniques with their advantages and drawbacks. In addition, the strategies
for improving analytical performance in terms of simplicity, high sensitivity, and selectivity are
highlighted, followed by the application of μPADs design for the detection of drug compounds for
various purposes. Moreover, we present recent advances involving μPAD technologies in the field
of pharmaceutical applications. Finally, we discussed the challenges and potential of μPADs for the
transition from laboratory to commercialization.