A Parametric Study on a Paper-Based Bi-Material Cantilever Valve

The novel paper-based Bi-Material Cantilever (B-MaC) valve allows the autonomous loading and control of multiple fluid reagents which contributes to the accurate operation of paper-based microfluidic devices utilized for biological and chemical sensing applications. In this paper, an extensive parametric study is presented to evaluate the effects of key geometric parameters of the valve, such as paper direction, cantilever width, paper type, tape type, and sample volume, in addition to the effects of relative humidity and temperature on the functionality of the B-MaC and to provide a better understanding of the rate of fluid flow and resulting deflection of the cantilever. Machine direction, cantilever width, paper type, and tape type were found to be important parameters that affect the B-MAC's activation time. It was also observed that the rate of fluid imbibition in the B-MaC is considerably affected by change in humidity for high (55 °C) and low (25 °C) temperatures, while humidity levels have no significant effect during imbibition in the B-MaC at an ambient temperature of 45 °C. It was also found that a minimum distance of 4 mm is required between the B-MaC and the stationary component to prevent accidental activation of the B-MaC prior to sample insertion when relative humidity is higher than 90% and temperature is lower than 35 °C. The rate of fluid imbibition that determines the wetted length of the B-MaC and the final deflection of the cantilever are critical in designing and fabricating point-of-care microfluidic paper-based devices. The B-MaC valve can be utilized in a fluidic circuit to sequentially load several reagents, in addition to the sample to the detection area.