During the second period (M13-M30), the main results achieved are the following:
Papers with tailored conductivity, hydrophobicity and porosity for the use-cases were adjusted. A nanocellulose/carbon nanotube ink was demonstrated as great material for humidity sensor. Transparent cellulose films with tailored microstructure and hydrophobicity were proved as potential cover layer for electrochromic displays. For use-case 2 (PoC immunosensors), printable fluidic channels using nanocellulose-based inks were developed and papers with tailored bioreactivity were also made with improved affinity of the paper-based fluidic channels to protein and anti-bodies. SUTCO line for production of nanopapers and the following patterning line using roll-to-roll nanoimprinting as well as plasma line for hydrophobization of nanopapers were settled. In addition, production of MNFC was scaled up. The quality of MNCF was improved and reached the production capacity to 200 and 5000 kg for pilot and industrial scales, respectively.
Regarding the devices, cellulose-based electrolytes for the printed batteries and electrochromic displays were formulated following two approaches: 1- Generation of high solid content viscous electrolytes 2- Self-standing hydrogel electrolytes formed by crosslinking agents. Both, functional co-planar Zinc Carbon printed batteries and electrochromic displays based on the cellulose-based electrolytes were successfully produced on Powercoat paper.
The communication system for interfacing the sensors to a memory and for exchanging the data to the phone was also developed and tested in real case configurations.
For use-case 1 (smart labels), printed environmental devices are required: a temperature sensor was developed for measurements between -10°C to +60°C, with very stable results between -10°C and +20°C. Humidity sensors with good correlation between the variation of the humidity and the current collected was also achieved. The first pressure sensors on paper were also tested offering good response.
For use-case 2 (PoC immunosensors), different strategies are being followed. One of the most innovative approaches is the one consisting of a cellulose based printed porous channel above mentioned. Results obtained are promising but integration of the electrochemical detection is not ready.
Finally, for use-case 3 (PoC genosensors), the work for this period was focused at building new capabilities for paper microfluidic and at improving the electrochemical detection on paper.
For the manufacturing of the common platform and the 3 use-cases, the final design was made. The development of a debugging test PCB to test both the different elements was addressed. Two electronic platforms (one for the use-cases 1 and 3, and one for the use-case 2) were designed and fabricated. A free application available on smartphones was successfully tested for the collection, display and storage of the data on the Cloud.
First trials on the manufacturing of the common platform on paper by screen-printing were successfully performed following this process flow: 1- printing of the conducting tracks, the antenna and the connecting pads, 2-printing of the display, 3-printing of the battery. The functionality of the different devices has been proven. The next steps are the pick & place of the silicon-based components and the characterization.
The focus of the communication strategy has been on community building and on stakeholder engagement via the newsletter, the social media, press office activities and communication at events. An open call for new ideas have been launched (
https://innpaper.eu/open-call/(opens in new window)). Four scientific articles have been already published in peer-reviewed scientific journals while 2 additional ones have been already submitted. Moreover, 4 patents applications have been generated.
