INST Mohali Researchers Develop Innovative PAP Pen Fabrication Technique

INST Mohali has developed a technique using an Advanced PAP (A-PAP) pen to fabricate paper-based devices. Know details here

Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an institute of the Department of Science and Technology have developed a novel, cost-effective technique for fabricating paper-based devices using an Advanced PAP (A-PAP) pen. This method provides a practical alternative to traditional sensing methods that require specialized equipment and expertise, making it ideal for resource-limited settings.

A research group led by Dr Bhanu Prakash have created two-dimensional (2D) paper-based devices for detecting heavy metals and nitrates using the A-PAP pen. The technique also shows versatility in biological sensing, with 2D lateral flow devices for detecting dopamine. Additionally, it has been validated for fabricating complex three-dimensional (3D) paper-based devices through paper origami for heavy metal sensing. These ready-to-use devices can be made in seconds, making them ideal for on-the-spot testing. Overall, this technique offers an affordable, efficient, and accessible solution for chemical and biological testing.

The device does not require any sophisticated instrumentation or a heating step, making it a promising technology for resource-limited settings. The paper-based devices fabricated are distinguished by rapid, simple, and cost-effective fabrication and the DIY approach offers a low-cost solution particularly beneficial for developing countries and remote areas.

The fabrication using A-PAP pen is advantageous when compared to other techniques because of the omission of the heating/drying step thereby enabling the rapid fabrication in around 10 seconds with superior contact angle suitable for testing and sensing applications. Its versatility extends to fabricating simple and complex devices like lateral-flow-based and 3D origami devices. The fabricated paper-based devices represent a cost-effective and user-friendly technique for identifying and quantifying contaminants in diverse matrices such as water and food.

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