UC Case No. 2019-960
SUIMMARY:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a portable and modular paper-based chemical testing device.
BACKGROUND:
Paper-based chemical testing kits can be designed for a variety of applications, ranging from biohazard to environmental contaminant detection, and require very little training to use. Paper testing kits, however, suffer from a lack of measurement precision, limiting their use to crude bulk-based testing. Generally, samples that are determined to contain a chemical by paper testing kits are re-tested using subsequent tests to determine chemical concentration, wasting valuable time and resources. Furthermore, subsequent test kits are often expensive and require specialized equipment for use. Improved paper-based testing kits with better accuracy for chemical measurement would save time, money and limit the need for additional testing.
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers have developed an accurate and equipment free paper-based testing kits. By utilizing bright and easily visible colors, the paper-based testing kits do not need complex testing equipment to be analyzed and can be used in any location. The kits have been successfully developed and shown to be more accurate for certain chemical tests that require quantification of samples by sight. Furthermore, because of its flexible nature, it can be modified to detect a wide variety of analytes.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Point-of-Care (POC) Therapeutic
- Drug Monitoring
- Biohazard Detection
- Environmental Analyte Measurement
- Portable Medical Testing
- Chemical Detection
ADVANTAGES:
- Portable
- Multi-Functional
- Adaptable to variety of needs
- User Friendly
DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:
Prototypes have been successfully developed and tested.