Open software platform for automated analysis of paper-based microfluidic devices

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 10; no. 1; p. 11284
• Main Authors: Parker, Rayleigh W., Wilson, Daniel J., Mace, Charles R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 09.07.2020; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 639/638/11/277; 639/638/11/872; 639/638/11/876; 639/638/11/877; 639/638/11/942; Algorithms; Automation; Colorimetry; Design; Geometry; Humanities and Social Sciences; Image processing; Microfluidics; multidisciplinary; Open source software; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Smartphones; User training
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67639-6

Development of paper-based microfluidic devices that perform colorimetric measurements requires quantitative image analysis. Because the design geometries of paper-based microfluidic devices are not standardized, conventional methods for performing batch measurements of regularly spaced areas of signal intensity, such as those for well plates, cannot be used to quantify signal from most of these devices. To streamline the device development process, we have developed an open-source program called ColorScan that can automatically recognize and measure signal-containing zones from images of devices, regardless of output zone geometry or spatial arrangement. This program, which measures color intensity with the same accuracy as standard manual approaches, can rapidly process scanned device images, simultaneously measure identified output zones, and effectively manage measurement results to eliminate requirements for time-consuming and user-dependent image processing procedures.