Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) for fast and ultrasensitive sensing of biomarkers and monitoring of diseases.

Through the development of analytical techniques, microscaled devices have displayed attractive advantages, including ultrasensitive detection and analysis, cost-effectiveness, portability, process integrity, multi-process functionality, and in-situ analysis. In the last decade, a new generation of analytical devices has emerged based on the cellulose materials - so-called microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) - a field that will change the face of the diagnosis of different diseases and sensing of a wide range of biological/chemical/biochemical phenomena. The main aim of the current editorial is to highlight the importance of the µPADs in the research and development of diagnostic devices and pharmaceuticals.