Common cellophane can be turned into a high-tech medical sensor using a simple laser and no expensive pumps.

High-end medical diagnostics usually require expensive plastic chips and complex machinery to move fluids around. This new method patterns channels directly onto biodegradable cellophane to create paper-like tests for glucose and nitrites. The material is so cheap and abundant that it could be used for mass health screenings in developing countries. Because the sensors are made of cellophane, they can be easily disposed of without creating plastic waste. This makes advanced healthcare testing both accessible and environmentally friendly.