Business from technology

Bioactivity presents new opportunities for paper

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a method of using printing technology to produce simple tests related to health, well-being and the environment.

The method using traditional printing technology has been tested and its efficacy demonstrated. An example is the haemoglobin test printed on paper developed by VTT.

Haemoglobin test is manufactured by printing the paper with antibodies that react to the liquid sample applied on the paper and reveal whether the given sample contains haemoglobin. The test result is interpreted by a line which either does or does not appear depending on the sample, similarly to human pregnancy tests familiar to consumers.

The test can be adapted to different purposes by changing the identifying bioactive substance printed on the paper for another. This technology is well-suited for mass production and can be applied in rapid diagnostics in the areas of health, wellbeing and the environment.

The variable uses of paper

This paper developed by VTT offers a quick, easy and inexpensive method for making observations about your own health, or for identifying the presence of unwanted substances. In addition to health-related tests, other areas of application might include testing the well water at the summer cottage for bacteria, for example.

The technology can be applied to bring additional features to packaging or labelling, and for ensuring product authenticity and impeding falsification. It is also possible to print additional information, such as instructional images or text, on the test. As a biodegradable natural material, paper is an environmentally friendly option when compared, for example, to plastic test strips.

VTT is interested in developing bioactive paper further with partner companies. Read more from http://www.foresttech.fi/ and contact us if you are interested!

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