Point-of-care enzymatic quantification of glucose in saliva with a newly designed microfluidic paper-based device

Diabetes is a long-term metabolic condition characterized by increased glucose levels in the blood (also known as blood sugar), and it results in potential damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves [1]. According to the IDF - International Diabetes Federation, this disease has become a global burden with 1 in 10 adults diagnosed since 2021 and with an estimation of 1 in 8 adults to be diagnosed in 2045 [2]. In this context, accurate, on-hand glucose quantification is a vital diagnosis tool. In recent years, microfluidic paper-based devices (μPADs) have been receiving a lot of attention as point- of-care devices due to their advantageous characteristics. μPADs are simple, easy-to- use devices that provide rapid measurements without needing complex equipment or specialized technicians. This work aims to develop a μPAD for the determination of glucose in saliva as an alternative to the already available techniques.