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Capillary soft valves for microfluidics.

Martina Hitzbleck1, Laetitia Avrain, Valerie Smekens

  • 1IBM Research GmbH, CH-8803 Rueschlikon, Switzerland.

Lab on a Chip
|April 25, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Capillary soft valves (CSVs) offer a simple method to control liquid flow in microfluidic devices. These valves enable fast DNA detection assays using minimal reagents and sample volumes.

Area of Science:

  • Microfluidics
  • Biotechnology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Capillary-driven microfluidics enable rapid biological assays with minimal sample and reagent volumes.
  • Controlling liquid flow is crucial for complex microfluidic assays, but existing methods can be complex.
  • Simple and effective valve systems are needed to enhance the capabilities of capillary-driven microfluidics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce capillary soft valves (CSVs) as a novel, simple-to-implement solution for stopping liquids in capillary-driven microfluidics.
  • To demonstrate the efficacy of CSVs in complex biological assays, specifically DNA detection.
  • To showcase the compatibility of CSVs with various assay conditions, including elevated temperatures and specific binding reactions.

Main Methods:

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  • CSVs were fabricated with a hard layer (silicon or polymer) featuring wettable microstructures and a soft poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) cover.
  • Liquid flow was stopped by a capillary pressure barrier (kPa range) generated by the CSV.
  • The capillary pressure barrier was suppressed by applying external pressure to the soft cover of the CSV.
  • DNA detection assays were performed using CSVs to control reagent flow over streptavidin receptor lines.

    • Main Results:

    • CSVs effectively blocked liquid flow, with the barrier suppressed by simple manual actuation.
    • DNA detection was achieved for a dsDNA target at concentrations of 20 and 200 nM in 0.7 μL of sample within 10 minutes.
    • The assay involved DNA melting, probe annealing, fluorescent dye intercalation, and flow over capture lines, all facilitated by CSV actuation.
    • CSVs demonstrated compatibility with high temperatures (95 °C) and specific molecular interactions.

    Conclusions:

    • CSVs provide a simple, low-footprint solution for liquid control in capillary-driven microfluidics.
    • These valves are suitable for complex assays requiring precise liquid handling, temperature control, and specific binding events.
    • CSVs significantly enhance the utility of capillary-driven microfluidic systems without introducing substantial design or fabrication challenges.