Microfluidic Control Valves
Microfluidic Control Valves - Related Videos
10:18
Multi-step Variable Height Photolithography for Valved Multilayer Microfluidic Devices
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Cited by 26 •
2017
Multilayer microfluidic devices often involve the fabrication of master molds with complex geometries for functionality. This article presents a complete protocol for multi-step photolithography with valves and variable height features tunable to any application. As a demonstration, we fabricate a microfluidic droplet generator capable of producing hydrogel beads.
18:11
Microfluidic Chips Controlled with Elastomeric Microvalve Arrays
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Cited by 7 •
2007
We demonstrate protocols for manufacturing and automating elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microvalve arrays that need no extra energy to close and feature photolithographically defined precise volumes. A parallel subnanoliter-volume mixer and an integrated microfluidic perfusion system are presented.
09:34
Microfluidic Pneumatic Cages: A Novel Approach for In-chip Crystal Trapping, Manipulation and Controlled Chemical Treatment
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Cited by 6 •
2016
Herein, we describe the fabrication and operation of a double-layer microfluidic system made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). We demonstrate the potential of this device for trapping, directing the coordination pathway of a crystalline molecular material and controlling chemical reactions onto on-chip trapped structures.
10:35
Studies of Bacterial Chemotaxis Using Microfluidics - Interview
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Cited by 1 •
2007
11:08
Revealing Electromechanical Control of Tissue Homeostasis Using a Two-Layer Microfluidic Device
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2025
Here, we present a protocol to fabricate a unique two-layer microfluidic device to study the electromechanical regulation of epithelial tissue homeostasis. The device applies static physiological electric currents perpendicular to the tissue plane, impacting cell-cell adhesion, proliferation, and extrusion. Live-cell imaging and mechanical stress measurements reveal mechanisms of these processes.
FAQs
Applied pneumatic pressure deflects a flexible elastomeric membrane within the device. The membrane can move toward a channel to seal it or away from the channel to permit fluid passage. Because the actuating pressure operates the membrane rather than introducing a moving mechanical component into the fluid path, the design supports controlled fluid handling in microscale bioengineering systems.
At microscale dimensions, small changes in channel opening can determine whether a fluid is stopped, permitted to pass, or redirected. Membrane deflection provides that control through pressure-driven movement, allowing a system to regulate flow timing and routing. This mechanism supports precise handling of tiny volumes and helps coordinate multiple fluid operations on a lab-on-a-chip platform.
A valve network can support several linked operations, including fluid metering, mixing, isolation, and sequential reagent delivery. These functions allow a bioengineering platform to separate fluids when needed, combine them during an assay, and introduce reagents in a planned order. Coordinating these steps contributes to programmable operation rather than relying on manual fluid handling.
An automated workflow assigns valve states to specific fluid-handling tasks. Pneumatic pressure changes the membrane position, while the resulting open or sealed channel state controls when fluid moves, stops, mixes, or reaches another part of the system. This programmed sequence can organize reagent delivery and other operations, reducing the need for direct manual intervention.
They are useful when experiments require precise handling of small fluid volumes and repeatable control over multiple steps. Supported applications include automated cell culture, biochemical assays, drug screening, and point-of-care diagnostics. In each setting, the valves can help manage fluid isolation, metering, mixing, or reagent delivery within a compact microscale platform.
Their microscale format and programmable operation support fluid handling with small quantities of sample and reagent. By controlling delivery, isolation, and mixing within compact channels, these systems can reduce consumption while maintaining organized experimental sequences. That combination is relevant to assays, screening platforms, cell culture systems, and diagnostic devices where efficient fluid use is valuable.