Sustainable paper-based platforms for cellular studies: A review

Abstract

Paper-based microchemical systems have emerged as transformative and sustainable technologies for biological studies, offering affordability, biodegradability, and portability. Paper, with its multiscale porous structure and tunable properties, provides an ideal platform for replicating cellular microenvironments and facilitating biointerfaces for cell-related applications. Recent innovations have successfully integrated cellular analysis with paper-based platforms, enhancing functionality and expanding their potential. This review explores advances in paper-based platforms, emphasizing their role in enabling precise and accessible cellular analyses for both fundamental and applied research. These innovations broaden the potential of paper-based platforms for healthcare applications, including diagnostics, drug screening, and point-of-care testing, particularly in resource-limited settings. The review also discusses advances in fabrication techniques, material modifications, and surface functionalization to enhance cell adhesion, proliferation, and viability. Integration with image processing techniques is highlighted as a powerful tool for gaining insights into cellular behavior. Additionally, the versatile applications of paper-based platforms in various cellular studies are presented. Sustainable solutions, including hybrid platforms and automated systems, are examined to address challenges such as maintaining cellular microenvironments, enhancing assay sensitivity, and ensuring clinical reliability. This review underscores the potential of paper-based platforms to revolutionize clinical and biomedical analysis through sustainable and innovative technologies.