Centrifugally enhanced paper microfluidics

Fluid flow in paper is currently limited by capillary forces. Here we show how capillary flow control can be improved by integrating paper sectors in lab-on-a-disc platforms. To this end we combine the rotationally controlled centrifugal force with the capillary action to enable basic liquid handling steps such as blood separation, liquid recirculation, liquid routing and valving. The integration of simple paper strips in polymeric devices is a step towards an advanced assay automation and high-performance sample preparation for using paper in point of care diagnostic devices.