Paper-based sensors used to identify biomarkers in wastewater
Marie Donlon | October 08, 2024This new approach — which the researchers claim is faster than the standard lab-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests that can take hours and even days to return results — involves placing wastewater samples onto a folded wax-printed paper sheet. The researchers explained that the paper features chemicals that react to specific disease markers, thus triggering a fluorescent color to appear that can be read using a mobile phone camera.
The researchers revealed that the results from new device were as accurate as the PCR test but faster and less expensive. Further, it promises to serve as an early warning of disease in a community.
An article detailing the paper-based test, “Paper microfluidic sentinel sensors enable rapid and on-site wastewater surveillance in community settings,” appears in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science.