A Review of Paper-Based Diagnostic Chips: Redefining Laboratory Viral Detection

Abstract

Viruses have posed significant threats to human health throughout history, causing substantial disruptions and millions of deaths. Traditional viral detection methods, such as electron microscopy, cell culture, immunofluorescence assays, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), have limitations in terms of cost, time, and the need for skilled personnel. Paper-based diagnostic chips have emerged as a promising alternative, offering advantages such as affordability, portability, and user-friendliness. These devices are constructed from porous membranes coated with capture molecules that selectively bind to target pathogens. Recent advances in biosensor research have focused on developing faster, more affordable, and highly reliable diagnostic devices for viral detection. Paper-based diagnostic chips have demonstrated superior sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity compared to traditional methods in clinical contexts. Recent studies have yielded promising results for detecting various viruses, including hepatitis B, influenza, human papillomavirus, Ebola, herpes, HIV, hepatitis C, Zika, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2. However, challenges such as sensitivity, selectivity, and signal stability must be addressed to achieve consistent and accurate pathogen detection. Despite these limitations, paper-based diagnostic chips represent a promising frontier in viral diagnostics, with ongoing research and technological advancements expected to deliver even more efficient, sensitive, and robust solutions in the future.