Serdang, 30 March 2026 - Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ION2), Universiti Putra Malaysia hosted Dr. Veasna Soum for an international guest lecture titled "Development of Controllable Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices for Analytical Applications". Dr. Soum, representing the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, explored how paper-based microfluidics serve as a vital, cost-effective, and portable alternative to conventional devices for point-of-care testing. He explained that these innovative devices offer improved control over fluid manipulation, enabling high sensitivity and automation for both single- and multi-step biomarker assays. To achieve precise fluid control without external pumps, the research utilizes techniques like agarose-paper hybrids to modify permeability, absorbent pads to create delays, and hydrophobic PDMS barriers.

Practical applications highlighted during the session included successful single-step colorimetric detection of glucose and multi-step assays for methyl paraoxon (MPO), alongside 3D paper-based devices for detecting Trx-1. A significant breakthrough shared was the Paper-based Digital Microfluidic (p-DMF) chip. Overcoming the high costs of traditional clean-room fabrication, Dr. Soum’s team creates p-DMF chips using accessible methods such as inkjet-printed carbon nanotubes and ballpoint pens loaded with silver nanoparticles. Operating at 170 V, the droplets on these chips can be digitally actuated in real-time using a Bluetooth-connected smartphone application. The session concluded by emphasizing the critical need for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) coordination and knowledge transfer to address broader global challenges.

Prepared by,
Ts. Dr. Intan Helina Hasan

Date of Input: 20/04/2026 | Updated: 20/04/2026 | roslina_ar