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Autonomous capillary microfluidic devices with constant flow rate and temperature-controlled valving.

Lanhui Li1, Eiko Y Westerbeek, Jeroen C Vollenbroek

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This study presents a microfluidic device with a temperature-triggered stop valve. This novel capillary pump utilizes poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) to control fluid flow for microfluidic applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Microfluidics
  • Polymer Science
  • Surface Chemistry

Background:

  • Microfluidic devices require precise fluid control.
  • Temperature-responsive polymers offer tunable surface properties.
  • Capillary-driven flow is a passive pumping mechanism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a capillary microfluidic device with a temperature-triggered stop valve.
  • To investigate the mechanism behind constant capillary filling speed.
  • To demonstrate a simple, actuatable capillary pump operating near room temperature.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channel grafted with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm).
  • Integration of a microfabricated heater for localized temperature control (20 °C to 37 °C).
  • Contact angle measurements to analyze surface wettability and wetting kinetics.

Main Results:

  • The device demonstrated a constant capillary filling speed.
  • A temperature increase induced a switch from hydrophilic to hydrophobic surface wettability, creating a functional stop valve.
  • Wetting kinetics were found to be slow below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and fast above it.
  • The stop valve could be reversibly opened and closed by temperature changes.

Conclusions:

  • The developed microfluidic device functions as an effective, temperature-actuated capillary pump.
  • The observed capillary filling behavior is attributed to the hydration and de-hydration dynamics of the PNIPAm polymer.
  • This technology offers a simple and efficient method for fluid manipulation in microfluidic systems.