In this study, a novel wax-printed paper-based lateral flow device has been developed as an alternative approach for an automated and one-step enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The design pattern consisted of a non-delayed channel, a wax-delayed channel, a test zone and a control zone. This system was easily fabricated on a nitrocellulose membrane using a wax-printing method and then baked in an oven at 100 °C for 1 min. The four barriers of the wax-delayed channel could delay the flow time for 11 s compared to the flow time of the non-delayed channel. To use the device under optimal conditions, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was detected at a limit of detection of 1 ng mL⁻¹ and assessed with the naked eye within 10 min. A colorimetric intensity was also measured using a smart phone and computer software at a linear range of 0.1–100 ng mL⁻¹ with a good correlation. Furthermore, the proposed device was successfully applied to detect AFP in human serum. Therefore, the wax-printing demonstrates a user-friendly, easy and quick method for the fabrication of the device, which could be used as a one-step, portable, disposable, low-cost, simple, instrument-free and point-of-care device for the automated ELISA.

在这项研究中，已开发出一种新颖的基于蜡纸印刷的侧向流动装置，作为自动化和一步一步酶联免疫吸附测定（ELISA）的替代方法。设计模式包括一个非延迟通道，一个蜡延迟通道，一个测试区域和一个控制区域。该系统很容易使用蜡印方法在硝酸纤维素膜上制造，然后在100°C的烤箱中烘烤1分钟。与未延迟通道的流动时间相比，延迟蜡通道的四个屏障可将流动时间延迟11 s。为了在最佳条件下使用该设备，必须以1 ng mL ^-1的检出限检测甲胎蛋白（AFP）并在10分钟内用肉眼评估。还使用智能手机和计算机软件在0.1–100 ng mL ^-1的线性范围内测量了比色强度，并具有良好的相关性。此外，所提出的装置已成功地用于检测人血清中的AFP。因此，蜡印证明了一种易于使用，简便且快速的设备制造方法，该方法可作为一步，便携式，一次性使用，低成本，简单，无需仪器使用和瞄准的方法来使用。自动ELISA的保养设备。