Printed paper based glucose sensor manufactured in pilot scale

VTT has long experience in development of inkjet printable functional inks including printable enzymes. Also a method for controlling liquid flow on paper has been developed by VTT. This method is based on printed channel boundaries that guide flow of liquids such as water, blood, urine or other suitable liquid analyte. This technology can be used to manufacture inexpensive and simple-to-use diagnostic devices and tests that can provide results by visual colour change. This provides possibility for point-of-care or home testing. Use of paper based diagnostics has been proven to work for e.g. glucose indication in laboratory scale. Furthermore, VTT has studied and developed enzymes suitable for use in diagnostic devices. Many of the enzymes can be applied by using different printing technologies. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of paper based diagnostics in pilot scale by utilizing roll-to-roll flexography printing and industrial scale inkjet printheads. A successful glucose sensor demonstrator was realized.