Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices in Food Processing

Food quality control tests to detect materials hazardous to health are generally carried out in well-equipped laboratories. But many of these tests are laborious and not suitable for on-site rapid surveillance. Hence, there is a great need to develop affordable, robust, reliable, and quick detection methods for food analysis. Microfluidic paper analytical devices (µPADs) are a fast-growing field in medical diagnostics as well as in the food safety sector that address these demands. This chapter describes the developments in the applications of µPAD technology in various steps of food processing. Sections are included on µPAD fabrication methods and designs, microfluidic assay sensing principles, and various types of µPAD devices with food-specific applications. Methods are discussed to detect foodborne pathogens, food adulterants, allergens, toxic chemicals, and antibiotic residues which pose major health hazards to humans and animals. Prominent research trends and future research areas for maximizing the value of this paper-based microfluidic technology in food processing are also described.