Manipulation of fluid flow direction in microfluidic paper-based analytical devices with an ionogel negative passive pump

[Display omitted] •A new method for drop casting ionogels onto μPAD was developed.•Ionogel size and shape was controlled accurately in paper.•Water intake capability of the ionogel was investigated in the μPAD.•The morphology and volume of the ionogel in the μPAD define its performance.•Flow direction and even reverse the flow can be controlled with the ionogel negative passive pump. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) are a relatively new group of analytical tools that represent an innovative low-cost platform technology for fluid handling and analysis. Nonetheless, μPADs lack in the effective handling and controlling of fluids, which leads to a main drawback for their reproducibility in large volumes during manufacturing, their transition from the laboratory into the market and thus accessibility by end-users. Herein we investigate the applicability of ionogel materials based on a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) gel with the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate ionic liquid as fluid flow manipulator in μPADs using the ionogel as a negative passive pump to control the flow direction in the device. A big challenge undertook by this contribution is the integration of the ionogel materials into the μPADs. Finally, the characterisation and the performance of the ionogel as a negative passive pump is demonstrated.