The patent describes a paperfluidic device tailored for regular monitoring of oral health. This device utilizes a simple, inexpensive, and disposable design that incorporates at least one layer of patterned hydrophobic paper printed with various reagents for detecting pH levels, microorganisms, analytes, or enzymes. This innovative tool enables quick, sensitive, and accurate assessments of oral health, suitable for use at home or in low-resource settings, providing a practical alternative to traditional dental diagnostics methods.
Figure 1. Cross-sectional image of the patterned paper. A dye has been used to stain the hydrophilic regions, while hydrophobic areas remain unstained.
Traditional methods for monitoring oral health, such as visual inspections, dental probes, and x-rays, often fail to detect early stages of dental issues like caries, are costly, time-consuming and require visits to dental professionals.
- Innovative material use and design: The device utilizes a hydrophobic patterning on paper to create distinct regions for sample addition and analysis, which is essential for guiding the fluid precisely through the test zones without the need for external pumps or equipment.
- Advanced diagnostic features: Integrated reagents capable of detecting pH levels, microbial presence, and specific analytes related to oral health, which help in diagnostics, directly on the paper substrate, enhancing the device's capability to deliver rapid and accurate results.
- Ease of use and accessibility: Designed for simplicity, the device is both user-friendly and disposable. Its low-cost production and ease of use empower individuals to manage their oral health proactively at home.
- Environmental consideration: The choice of materials and the disposable nature of the device are balanced by environmental considerations. The device is designed to be biodegradable, minimizing its ecological footprint post-use.
The prototype consists of a layered assembly where each layer is precisely fabricated to interact seamlessly with the others. The hydrophobic regions are strategically printed to manage the flow and interaction of biological samples with reactive agents, proving the concept through effective demonstration of its functionality in detecting and evaluating oral health conditions.
The proof-of-concept of the paper fluidic device for monitoring oral health by users at home has been developed and tested with saliva samples. Initial testing has demonstrated its effectiveness in providing quick, sensitive, and accurate diagnostics for oral health, including pH and microorganism detection.
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- Public health: The novel device promotes better oral hygiene practices among the general population by providing an easy-to-use tool for regular monitoring at home.
- Accessibility: It makes oral health monitoring feasible in remote or resource-limited environments.
- Educational: It encourages awareness and understanding of oral health, potentially leading to reduced dental diseases and associated health issues.
- Home healthcare: It enables individuals to monitor their oral health regularly from home
- Dental clinics: It provides dental professionals with a quick screening tool to complement traditional examination methods.
- Educational settings: It is useful in schools or community health programs to teach oral hygiene and preventative care.
- Remote and under-served areas: The device is Ideal for use in regions with limited access to dental care.
- Veterinary care: Veterinarians can also use the device for testing dental health of animals
1653/MUM/2014
405062