Abstract: A diagnostic device for analysing properties of an analyte in a sample liquid including: a distribution zone having at least two hydrophilic layers placed one on top of the other, wherein one layer is a top layer (12) and the other is a bottom layer (13); and a detection zone located under the distribution zone, the detection zone having a detection layer (14), wherein: the top layer has one or more openings (15) through which the sample liquid is introduced into the device; the bottom layer having one or more openings (16) connecting the distribution zone to the detection zone; the bottom layer also having a means by which the sample liquid is distributed from the top layer's opening to the detection layer through the bottom layer's opening; and a visual indication results on the detection layer when the sample liquid comes into contact with the detection layer.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for analysing properties of an analyte in a sample liquid including: a distribution zone having at least two hydrophilic layers placed one on top of the other, wherein one layer is a top layer (12) and the other is a bottom layer (13); and a detection zone located under the distribution zone, the detection zone having a detection layer (14), wherein: the top layer has one or more openings (15) through which the sample liquid is introduced into the device; the bottom layer having one or more openings (16) connecting the distribution zone to the detection zone; the bottom layer also having a means by which the sample liquid is distributed from the top layer's opening to the detection layer through the bottom layer's opening; and a visual indication results on the detection layer when the sample liquid comes into contact with the detection layer.

Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of a test fluid sample using a paper-based microfluidic system having a plurality of hydrophilic testing zones, including: a) depositing said test fluid sample on at least one said testing zone; b) depositing a plurality of standard fluid samples or reactives of differing known concentrations on other said testing zones; c) introducing an indicator solution to each said test zone to thereby react with the deposited fluid sample and result in a color intensity change which is a function of the fluid sample concentration; and d) comparing the differences in color intensity between the test fluid sample and the standard fluid samples or reactives to thereby determine the concentration of said test fluid sample.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a microfluidic system having microfluidic channels on a surface of a hydrophilic substrate, the method including the steps of: hydrophobizing the substrate surface; locating a mask defining the substrate surface, the mask having open areas defining the periphery of the microfluidic channels; and applying an irradiation treatment to areas of the substrate surface exposed by the open areas of the mask, said exposed areas becoming hydrophilic to therefore form said microfluidic channels.

Abstract: A three-dimensional microfluidic system including: at least one hydrophilic thread along which fluid can be transported through capillary wicking; and at least one hydrophobic substrate for supporting the hydrophilic thread. A method of transporting and mixing a plurality of fluids within a microfluidic system including at least two hydrophilic threads and a hydrophobic substrate having at least two zones, each of the hydrophilic threads supported on a different hydrophobic substrate zone, including: delivering each said fluid to a different hydrophilic thread; and bringing the at least two hydrophilic threads into contact to cause mixing of the fluids.

Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of a test fluid sample using a paper-based microfluidic system having a plurality of hydrophilic testing zones, including: a) depositing said test fluid sample on at least one said testing zone; b) depositing a plurality of standard fluid samples or reactives of differing known concentrations on other said testing zones; c) introducing an indicator solution to each said test zone to thereby react with the deposited fluid sample and result in a colour intensity change which is a function of the fluid sample concentration; and d) comparing the differences in colour intensity between the test fluid sample and the standard fluid samples or reactives to thereby determine the concentration of said test fluid sample.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a microfluidic system having microfluidic channels on a surface of a hydrophilic substrate, the method including the steps of: hydrophobizing the substrate surface; locating a mask defining the substrate surface, the mask having open areas defining the periphery of the microfluidic channels; and applying an irradiation treatment to areas of the substrate surface exposed by the open areas of the mask, said exposed areas becoming hydrophilic to therefore form said microfluidic channels.