Long-term stabilization of hydrogen peroxide by poly(vinyl alcohol) on paper-based analytical devices

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) are vital for point-of-care testing.
• Ensuring the long-term stability of reagents on PADs is a significant challenge.
• Degradation of reagents like hydrogen peroxide limits PAD shelf-life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the stabilizing effect of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on hydrogen peroxide on paper substrates.
• To evaluate PVA's impact on the stability of PADs for diagnostic applications.
• To determine optimal PVA concentrations and storage conditions for enhanced reagent stability.

Main Methods:

• Colorimetric measurements using horseradish peroxidase and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine as substrates.
• Preparation of PADs with varying concentrations of PVA (0.5-2%) and hydrogen peroxide.
• Comparative stability studies of hydrogen peroxide with and without PVA under ambient and refrigerated conditions.

Main Results:

• Poly(vinyl alcohol) significantly suppressed the degradation of hydrogen peroxide on paper.
• PVA concentrations between 0.5% and 2% enhanced hydrogen peroxide stability, with 1% PVA showing comparable results to 2%.
• Refrigerated storage (4°C) of PADs with 2% PVA extended hydrogen peroxide stability up to 30 days, compared to degradation within one day at room temperature without PVA.

Conclusions:

• Poly(vinyl alcohol) is an effective stabilizing reagent for hydrogen peroxide in paper-based analytical devices.
• PVA incorporation enhances the shelf-life of PADs, making them more reliable for point-of-care diagnostics.
• Optimized PVA concentration and cold storage can significantly extend the operational stability of PADs.