Staple-based paper electrochemical platform for quantitative analysis

Abstract In this chapter, a staple-based electrochemical platform is developed as a simple and low-cost detection system for paper-based devices. This system incorporates stainless steel staples as electrodes with the staple acting as working electrode modified with carbon ink. A simple PDMS platform is employed to embed the connections. A paper strip, sealed with printed wax barriers, is used as sample container. The advantages of the platform are demonstrated through studies performed with ferrocene carboxylic acid, a common redox probe. This is an out-of-box application of staples, a low-cost material that can be employed for quantitative purposes. This is one example of development of low-cost analysis, which can be performed using simple yet precise and accurate electroanalytical platforms that allow decentralization of analysis.