Scalable Methods for Device Patterning as an Outstanding Challenge in Translating Paper-Based Microfluidics from the Academic Benchtop to the Point-of-Care

Paper-based microfluidic devices offer unparalleled adaptability for the development of low-cost,point-of-care analytical tests.The potential for these devices to drastically improve access to healthcare around the globe is obvious,but very few tests have found success in clinical environments.Here,we identify manufacturing-specifically,methods to pattern paper devices at large scales-as a major barrier to translating prototype paper-based devices from the academic benchtop to the field.We introduce current methods used to pattern papers and discuss their utility as means to prototype and manufacture paper-based devices.