Comments to the Editor

Peijun He
E-mail: ph3e12@soton.ac.uk
Optoelectronics Research Centre
University of Southampton
Southampton
SO171BJ
U.K.
20th Oct 2014
Title: Engineering fluidic delays in paper-based devices using laser direct writing
Co-others: Ioannis Katis, Prof. Robert Eason, and Dr. Collin Sones.

To,
The Editor,
Lab-on-a-chip
Dear Editor,
Please accept for review our manuscript titled Engineering fluidic delays in paper-based devices using laser direct
writing.
The following are the important highlights of our report:
We report the use of a new laser-based direct-write technique that allows programmable and timed fluid delivery in
channels within a paper substrate which enables implementation of multi-step analytical assays.
Using this delay patterning protocol we generated flow-delays on paper-based fluidic devices spanning from minutes
to over an hour.
Since the channels and flow-delay barriers can be written via a common laser-writing process, this is a distinct
improvement over other methods that require specialist operating environments, or custom-designed equipment.
This technique therefore could be an ideal choice for rapid fabrication of custom-designed paper-based microfluidic
devices for realizing single or multistep analytical tests.
Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.
Best regards,
Peijun He

Letter to Referees
Peijun He
E-mail: ph3e12@soton.ac.uk
Optoelectronics Research Centre
University of Southampton
Southampton
SO171BJ
U.K.
20th Oct 2014
Title: Engineering fluidic delays in paper-based devices using laser direct writing
Co-others: Ioannis Katis, Prof. Robert Eason, and Dr. Collin Sones.
To,
The Referees,
Lab on a Chip
Dear Referees,
I wrote to ask for your help in reviewing our manuscript titled Engineering fluidic delays in paper-based devices
using laser direct writing. Your response to our request was greatly appreciated.
The following are the important highlights of our report:
We report the use of a new laser-based direct-write technique that allows programmable and timed fluid delivery in
channels within a paper substrate which enables implementation of multi-step analytical assays.
Using this delay patterning protocol we generated flow-delays on paper-based fluidic devices spanning from minutes
to over an hour.
Since the channels and flow-delay barriers can be written via a common laser-writing process, this is a distinct
improvement over other methods that require specialist operating environments, or custom-designed equipment.
This technique therefore could be an ideal choice for rapid fabrication of custom-designed paper-based microfluidic
devices for realizing single or multistep analytical tests.
Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.
With thanks in advance.

Best regards,
Peijun He

Graphical Abstract
Schematic of the fabrication of polymerised barriers of: a) variable depth inside the paper
substrate; b) variable density of polymerisation extending throughout the full thickness of the
paper. Both methods allow for controlled wicking, and variable flow delays.