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Updated: Feb 12, 2026
18:11
Microfluidic Chips Controlled with Elastomeric Microvalve Arrays
Published on: October 1, 2007
21.8K
Wirelessly powered and remotely controlled valve-array for highly multiplexed analytical assay automation on a
Saraí M Torres Delgado1, David J Kinahan2, Lourdes Albina Nirupa Julius2
1Laboratory for Simulation, Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, Freiburg im Breisgau 79110, Germany; Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|March 24, 2018
Summary
We developed a wirelessly powered system of 128 centrifugo-pneumatic valves for Lab-on-a-Disc applications. This technology enables precise liquid handling and diagnostic assays through on-demand thermal actuation during spinning.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microfluidics
- Lab-on-a-Disc Technology
Background:
- Implementing complex liquid handling on microfluidic devices requires precise and controllable valving mechanisms.
- Existing methods for valve actuation in centrifugal systems can be limited by power, complexity, or real-time control capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel wirelessly powered array of 128 centrifugo-pneumatic valves for on-demand actuation in spinning microfluidic systems.
- To demonstrate the system's versatility for implementing diagnostic assays and closed-loop fluidic control on Lab-on-a-Disc platforms.
Main Methods:
- Development of a wirelessly powered array of 128 centrifugo-pneumatic valves actuated by thermally removable low-melting membranes.
- Integration of Bluetooth and sensor-based triggering for valve activation during rotation.
- Demonstration using three examples: wireless actuation, sensor-triggered closed-loop flow control, and centrifugal processing of whole blood.
Main Results:
- Successful wireless actuation of 64 valves in programmable sequences and real-time user input.
- Demonstrated closed-loop centrifugal flow control triggered by reagent mixing status.
- Facilitated centrifugal processing of whole blood using integrated valving and closed-loop control.
Conclusions:
- The wirelessly powered centrifugo-pneumatic valve array offers a powerful and flexible tool for advanced Lab-on-a-Disc applications.
- The system enables precise, on-demand liquid handling and automated diagnostic assays, including complex biological sample processing.
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