Micrcapsule array fabricaed by ice-printing technology for on-site biochemical detection

In this paper, we proposed a portable, easy-to-operate, low cost and anti-fouling microcapsule array aiming for multitarget biochemical assay. This novel microcapsule array is achieved by ice printing and photopolymerization sealing. Only tiny amount of sample (2μL for each microcapsule) is needed to fulfill the assay. All the reagents required for the analysis are tightly sealed within the microcapsule in frozen or liquid form. With the aid of automatic equipment, the ice-printed microcapsule array chip can be massively produced, which enables its disposable use. Nitrite was chosen as a model target as a proof of concept. An instant qualitative detection by naked eyes was achieved without the need of any external sophisticated instruments. The quantitative detection was realized simply by camera photographing and image processing.