A miniaturized high-voltage integrated power supply for portable microfluidic applications

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
• Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip Technology

Background:

• Microfluidic devices offer miniaturized platforms for various applications.
• Existing systems often require bulky power supplies or complex chip integration.
• Need for portable, cost-effective microfluidic solutions with integrated power.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a portable microfluidic device with an integrated, reusable high-voltage power supply.
• To demonstrate rapid and controlled fluid transport using disposable poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic chips.
• To evaluate the device's power consumption and operational capacity.

Main Methods:

• Development of a compact microfluidic device with a carrier for disposable PDMS chips.
• Integration of a reusable high-voltage power supply powered by an MN21 cell battery.
• Demonstration of fluorescent dye transport through an expansion chamber geometry.

Main Results:

• Successful rapid and controlled transport of fluorescent dye was achieved.
• The device demonstrated over 40 dispense-flushing cycles on a single battery.
• The carrier is only slightly larger than a microscope slide, highlighting portability.

Conclusions:

• The presented portable microfluidic device is a viable tool for rapid fluid manipulation.
• Its integrated power supply and disposable chip design offer convenience and cost-effectiveness.
• The device shows promise for point-of-care diagnostics and other portable lab-on-a-chip applications.