The object
George M. Whitesides led development of paper-based microfluidic diagnostic devices that guide small liquid samples through patterned paper without pumps or powered instruments. His Harvard group documents programmable paper-and-tape diagnostic devices and applications in bioanalysis, enabling simple colorimetric testing in resource-limited settings.
What George did
Led development of paper-based microfluidic devices for low-cost chemical and medical diagnostics.
Why it matters
Paper microfluidics turns an inexpensive material into a portable analytical device, reducing the equipment needed for basic diagnostic chemistry.
Living-status check
Harvard's current 2026 Whitesides group profile lists his active research areas, including microfluidics, paper materials and healthcare for developing economies.