Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (uPADs) for in-field screening of organic explosives

Project Member(s): Doble, P., Bishop, D., Roux, C.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Defence Science and Technology Group of the Department of Defence

Start year: 2015

Summary: The project will develop a new prototype of a uPAD-reading instrument and printable microchips to detect explosives. This will be based on a previous prototype instrument. Chemistries for the detection of explosives will be optimised and the range of explosives able to be detected expanded. Reproducibility and reliability of sample collection will be optimised, alternative light sources for detection investigated and performance testing will be undertaken.

Publications:

Morelato, M, Barash, M, Blanes, L, Chadwick, S, Dilag, J, Kuzhiumparambil, U, Nizio, KD, Spindler, X & Moret, S 2017, 'Forensic Science: Current State and Perspective by a Group of Early Career Researchers', Foundations of Science, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 799-825.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Blanes, L, Ueland, M, Taudte, R, Stuart, B, Cole, N, Willis, PA, Roux, C & Doble, P 1970, 'Capillary-driven microfluidic paper-based analytical devices for lab on a chip screening of explosive residues in soil', ANZFSS 23rd International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences, Auckland.

Keywords: microfluidic device, explosives, trace evidence, forensic science

FOR Codes: Forensic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry not elsewhere classified, Emerging Defence Technologies, Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.