Paper-Based Device for the Colorimetric Determination of Glucose in Whole-Blood Samples Using a Smartphone

In many clinical settings, there is a great need for rapid, simple, and reliable diagnostic tools for the detection and quantification of various biomarkers. These tools enable early medical decisions, which can significantly influence patient recovery. Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) have become promising platforms for rapid and low-cost diagnostic testing in recent years. Among the most important biomarkers is glucose, a key metabolite involved in numerous physiological processes, which allows for the diagnosis and control of diabetes, the prevention of serious long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease, and the monitoring of the effect of medication, diet, and exercise on sugar levels in these patients. A fundamental step in detecting this marker in laboratories is the separation of plasma from whole blood. Several studies have demonstrated the successful integration of plasma separation in μPADs. This work presents the development of a paper-based device for the colorimetric detection of glucose in whole-blood samples, allowing plasma separation and using a smartphone to perform quantitative determination.