Paper microfluidic-based enzyme catalyzed double microreactor

We describe a paper microfluidic-based enzyme catalyzed double microreactor assay using fluorescent detection. Here, solutions of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and diaphorase (DI) were directly spotted onto the microfluidic paper-based analytical device (mu PAD). Samples containing lactic acid, resazurin, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidized form (NAD(+)), potassium chloride (KCl), and BSA, in MES buffer were separately spotted onto the mu PAD and MES buffer flowed through the device. A cascade reaction occurs upon the sample spot overlapping with LDH to form pyruvate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced form (NADH). Subsequently, NADH is used in the conversion of resazurin to fluorescent resorufin by DI. The mu PAD avoids the need of surface functionalization or enzyme immobilization steps. These microreactor devices are low cost and easy to fabricate and effect reaction based solely on buffer capillary action.