Issue 5, 2006

Development and multiplexed control of latching pneumatic valves using microfluidic logical structures

Abstract

Novel latching microfluidic valve structures are developed, characterized, and controlled independently using an on-chip pneumatic demultiplexer. These structures are based on pneumatic monolithic membrane valves and depend upon their normally-closed nature. Latching valves consisting of both three- and four-valve circuits are demonstrated. Vacuum or pressure pulses as short as 120 ms are adequate to hold these latching valves open or closed for several minutes. In addition, an on-chip demultiplexer is demonstrated that requires only n pneumatic inputs to control 2(nāˆ’1) independent latching valves. These structures can reduce the size, power consumption, and cost of microfluidic analysis devices by decreasing the number of off-chip controllers. Since these valve assemblies can form the standard logic gates familiar in electronic circuit design, they should be useful in developing complex pneumatic circuits.

Graphical abstract: Development and multiplexed control of latching pneumatic valves using microfluidic logical structures

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
05 Jan 2006
Accepted
22 Mar 2006
First published
06 Apr 2006

Lab Chip, 2006,6, 623-631

Development and multiplexed control of latching pneumatic valves using microfluidic logical structures

W. H. Grover, R. H. C. Ivester, E. C. Jensen and R. A. Mathies, Lab Chip, 2006, 6, 623 DOI: 10.1039/B518362F

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