The use of biological fluids in microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (PADs): Recent advances, challenges and future perspectives

The use of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (mu PADs) for aiding medical diagnosis is a growing trend in the literature mainly due to their low cost, easy use, simple manufacturing, and great potential for application in low-resource settings. Many important biomarkers (proteins, ions, lipids, hormones, DNA, RNA, drugs, whole cells, and more) and biofluids are available for precise detection and diagnosis. We have reviewed the advances mu PADs in medical diagnostics have achieved in the last few years, focusing on the most common human biofluids (whole blood/plasma, sweat, urine, tears, and saliva). The challenges of detecting specific biomarkers in each sample are discussed, along with innovative techniques that overcome such limitations. Finally, the difficulties of commercializing mu PADs are considered, and future trends are presented, including wearable devices and integrating multiple steps in a single platform.