Object Record
University of Texas Origami Paper Analytical Device
| Catalog Number | 12.0002.001 |
| Title | University of Texas Origami Paper Analytical Device |
| History | Dr. Hong Liu was working as a chemistry graduate student in Dr. Richard M. Crooks' laboratory at the University of Texas when he read about research being done at Harvard by Dr. George Whitesides with three-dimensional microfluidic devices. Liu thought that the method, which involved a complex construction using laser cutters and tape, and which could not be unfolded to extract more information, could be improved. He used his childhood lessons in origami folding as a starting point. He used everyday printer paper on a common printer with a wax-based ink that can be bought in office supply stores. He can design whatever channels he wishes before printing the devices, cutting them out, and folding them so that the layers are on top of each other. Next, the wax is melted by placing the paper between two pieces of glass on a hotplate, which seals the wax. The wax ink does not attract water, so those areas on the paper without wax ink become channels for water-based samples like saliva, blood, and urine. Imbedded in the channels are biomarkers that react in a certain way to specific substances like a protein characteristic of malaria or AIDS, by turning a different color like a home pregnancy test. The folded paper enables more than one test to be done at a time, or a complex test with many parts to be done. This inexpensive test can be made anywhere there is a printer and is stable for shipping long distances. These particular pieces are prototypes; the test has yet to be commercialized. |
| Description |
.01 Three square device .02 Four square device Both are paper and are made of three or four small squares together. The paper is printed with dark wax to leave channel configurations where yellow and blue dye have been run to demonstrate the channels. |
| Date | 2012 |
| Organizations | University of Texas |
| NIH Property # | none |
| Old NIH Property # | none |
| Serial # | none |
| People |
Crooks, Richard M. Liu, Hong |