Table 1.

Low-cost substrates

Low-cost fabrication material	Advantages	Applications	Types
Paper-based13,15,18,58,59,62,64,70	Biodegradable, accessible, ease of functionalization, hydrophilic	ELISA, microfabrication	Cellulose, nitrocellulose
Thread-based54,77	Accessible, rapid fabrication, high aspect ratio, hydrophilic, ease of functionalization	Colorimetric assays, microfabrication	Cotton
Thermoplastics36,70,71,80,84,96	Desirable optical properties, durable, inexpensive, ease of surface modifications	Microfabrication, immunoassays	PS, PO, PMMA, SEBS, COC, polycarbonate, PSA, PI
Photocurable polymers86,98	Rapid fabrication, high aspect ratio, low viscosity, high controllability	Microfabrication/3D microfabrication	DP, acrylate-based photoresist