Emerging applications of paper-based analytical devices for drug analysis: A review.

The use of paper microfluidics to perform chemical measurements for various analytical applications has gained interest over the last decade. One of the growing applications of these platforms is for the qualitative and quantitative determination of drugs. The low cost and self-pumping ability of paper microfluidics are attractive for developing analytical tools capable of on-site drug screening. This review aims to present the unique features of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) that offer advantages to pharmaceutical analysis and evaluate the state-of-the-art technologies and applications of the platform for drug analysis in research and real-world settings. The current challenges and potential future directions of the field are also highlighted. Image of test cards is adapted with permission from A.A. Weaver, H. Reiser, T. Barstis, M. Benvenuti, D. Ghosh, M. Hunckler, B. Joy, L. Koenig, K. Raddell, M. Lieberman, Paper analytical devices for fast field screening of beta lactam antibiotics and antituberculosis pharmaceuticals, Anal. Chem. 85 (2013) 6453–6460. (Copyright 2013 American Chemical Society). Image 1 • A critical review of the emerging use of paper-based devices/μPADs for drug analysis. • Attractive features of μPADs relevant to drug analysis are discussed. • State-of-the-art fabrication methods and detection motifs applicable to drugs. • Applications in discovery, quality control, and tests of drugs in various matrices. • Highlight of challenges and future outlooks of μPADs for drug analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]