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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider µPADS: These microfluidic paper-based analytical devices can detect diarrhea-causing pathogens in water

µPADS: These microfluidic paper-based analytical devices can detect diarrhea-causing pathogens in water

Published Jun 29, 2021 12:00 am

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced Monday, June 28, the development of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADS) for the detection of diarrhea-causing pathogens in water.

(Screenshot from DOST-PCHRD Facebook Page)

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said it was Dr. Lori Shayne Busa of the Nueva Vizcaya State University who developed the easy-to-use and low cost µPADS for the onsite detection of E. coli.

“Our proponent has specialization in studying paper microfluidics or a kind of device that can detect many infectious agents and chemical contaminants,” he said during the second Talakayang HeaRT Beat (Health Research and Technology) on Monday, June 28.

(Screenshot from DOST-PCHRD Facebook Page)

He said seeing her kababayans without access to clean and safe water supply during natural disasters, which increased their vulnerability to water-borne disease, Busa developed µPADS that can detect diarrhea-causing pathogens by assessing the water quality after disaster events.

“It uses the “lab-on-paper” concept which condenses the equipment, resources, personnel and time needed to obtain an accurate result,” it added.

The DOST chief said the device is currently in the prototype development stage. “Currently, the team is revising previous device templates to enable µPADS detect E. coli in samples,” he said.

(Screenshot from DOST-PCHRD Facebook Page)

“Once a final prototype is available, the team will proceed with the necessary tests to evaluate the performance of the device. The project team has identified 14 municipalities in Nueva VIzcaya for the field testing of the device prototypes,” de la Peña said.

µPADS is one of major health research projects under the disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA) program of the DOST- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).

Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/26/dost-to-unveil-3-health-research-breakthroughs-under-ddr-climate-change-adaptation-program/

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dost-pchrd microfluidic paper-based analytical devices DOST
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