Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Our point-of-care hormone monitoring device for postpartum health assessment uses paper-based microfluidics to provide an accessible and affordable hormone monitoring tool, tracking biomarkers correlated with postpartum depression (PPD). The device features a 3D-printed spring-box housing and platform containing chromatography paper testing sheets that are lined with polydimethulsiloxane (PDMS) and wax paper, embedded with specific reagents that generate colorimetric hormone readouts from saliva samples. This device was motivated by the need to address critical shortcomings in PPD care, where societal stigma surrounding mental health and reliance on self-reporting diagnostic methods prevent mothers from truthfully reporting symptoms and receiving timely support and treatment during postpartum recovery. Driven by our shared passion and commitment to advancing women’s health, our team sought to apply our bioengineering backgrounds to develop a meaningful innovation that could improve postpartum care and positively impact women’s lives and long-term health.
Authors: McDonald, Ava, Torres, Avary, Warneke, Frances
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7221840287