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A simple check valve for microfluidic point of care diagnostics
C S Ball1, R F Renzi1, A Priye1
1Sandia National Laboratories, 7011 East Ave., Livermore, CA 94550, USA. csball@sandia.gov rmeaghe@sandia.gov.
Lab on a Chip
|November 2, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a novel, passive check valve for microfluidic devices, compatible with laser cutting and injection molding. This innovation enables automated diagnostics and portable RNA detection.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Check valves are crucial for automated sample processing in point-of-care diagnostics.
- Existing check valves often lack compatibility with thermoplastic microfluidic devices throughout development and production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, passive, normally closed check valve design for thermoplastic microfluidic devices.
- To demonstrate a check valve manufacturable via CO2 laser and compatible with both prototyping and mass production.
Main Methods:
- Designed a passive check valve using a thermoplastic planar spring and an elastomeric pad.
- Utilized CO2 laser for fabrication from common materials.
- Investigated tuning of cracking pressure via spring geometry and thickness.
- Incorporated a raised annular boss to enhance seal integrity.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated and integrated passive check valves into thermoplastic devices.
- Demonstrated tunable cracking pressure by altering spring design.
- Showcased valve functionality in a finger-operated reagent reservoir and pneumatic pump.
- Applied the check valve for passive sealing in a portable West Nile virus RNA detection device.
Conclusions:
- The presented check valve design is simple, cost-effective, and versatile for microfluidic applications.
- This innovation bridges the gap between prototyping and production for thermoplastic microfluidic devices.
- The check valve enables new possibilities for portable diagnostics and automated lab-on-a-chip systems.
