Fluidic flow delay by ionogel passive pumps in microfluidic paper-based analytical devices

[Display omitted] •Fluid flow manipulation of paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) is presented by introducing ionogels as passive pumps.•μPADs were fabricated using a new double side contact stamping process.•Ionogels affect fluid flow by delaying it due to their different physical and chemical properties and swelling capacities.•Fluid flow delay was demonstrated evaluating the mixing behaviour of two fluids on a Y-shaped μPAD. A new concept for fluid flow manipulation in microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) is presented by introducing ionogel materials as passive pumps. μPADs were fabricated using a new double side contact stamping process and ionogels were precisely photopolymerised at the inlet of the μPADs. The ionogels remain mainly on the surface of the paper and get absorbed in the superficial paper-fibers allowing for the liquid to flow from the ionogel into the paper easily. As a proof of concept the fluid flow and mixing behaviour of two different ionogels μPADs were compared with the non-treated μPADs. It was demonstrated that both ionogels highly affect the fluid flow by delaying the flow due to their different physical and chemical properties and water holding capacities.