Sustainable and scalable detection: Paper-based analytical devices and miniaturized detection systems for modern diagnostics

Abstract

The evolution of detection systems has played a transformative role in advancing healthcare, particularly through the emergence of paper-based analytical devices (PAD) and miniaturized detection systems (MDS). These innovative platforms address critical challenges associated with traditional diagnostic methods, including high costs, complexity, and limited accessibility. This review explores the historical progression and the growing motivations driving the development of paper-based and miniaturized technologies. A comprehensive analysis of fabrication methodologies and characterization techniques underscores these systems’ engineering precision and adaptability. Key detection technologies, including electrochemical methods, colorimetric, and other advanced approaches, are critically examined, emphasizing their selectivity and adaptability. The integration of these technologies into point-of-care diagnostics, environmental health monitoring, and personalized medicine underscores their transformative potential and broad applicability. The applications of MDS and paper-based platforms are reviewed across diverse domains, focusing on detecting bacteria, viruses, biomarkers, and molecules critical to food safety. A comprehensive table encapsulates these applications, highlighting their wide-ranging impact. Looking ahead, this review explores emerging trends and challenges, providing insights into the future development of detection systems to improve healthcare accessibility and efficiency. In this review, recent studies using PAD and MDS for modern diagnosis of specific analytes in biological samples during the period between 2009 and 2024 were discussed in detail.