Microfluidic valve

摘要

Microfluidic devices and in particular microfluidic devices incorporating a valve for selectively controlling the flow of a fluid within the microfluidic device are described. Specific examples of a microfluidic device are described, comprising a sacrificial valve, desirably one that is dissolvable on contact with a fluid or that is configured to disintegrate or dissolve on experiencing a predetermined pressure.

主权项

1. A microfluidic device comprising:
a fluid channel comprising a first and a second region separated by a valve, the first region being upstream of the valve and the second region being downstream of the valve, the valve comprising a sacrificial membrane which on contact with a liquid dissolves to establish a fluid path from the first to the second region, a gas pocket region provided within the first region and adjacent to the sacrificial membrane, the gas pocket region being dimensioned to receive and retain a gas volume on introduction of a liquid into the first region of the channel; and the device being operably coupled to and responsive to drive means to operably induce flow from the first region towards the second region, actuation of the drive means operably displacing a defined gas volume within the gas pocket away from the sacrificial membrane and allowing the liquid to come into contact with and effect dissolution of the membrane, the membrane being intact prior to contact with the liquid.