Chloe Sow
Grade: 12
Kirkland, Washington
Inducted: 2023
3D-origami microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) with the capability to colorimetrically detect carcinogens and other harmful substances present in liquid-based personal care products. Conceptually, the 3D paper microfluidic channels facilitate fluid wicking through capillary action, allowing for the transport and mixing of reagents for colorimetric detection, as the unique design enables for fluid propagation between layers without the need for bonding agents, resulting in a cost-effective and straightforward fabrication process.
Constructed with chromatography paper, wax, and customizable colorimetric reagents, this device offers an inexpensive, rapid, and accessible tool for the general population to identify unknown irritants and toxins in their personal care products. In our proof-of-concept method, we successfully prototyped accessible (portable, low-cost, and easy-to-fabricate)3D origami μPADs, achieving multi-use (useable for >1 samples) and multi-detection (testing for >1 harmful substances) capacities.