Electrochemically-Actuated Microfluidic Devices

摘要

Electrochemical actuation is disclosed for fluid movement and flow control in microfluidic devices, allowing for miniaturization, minimal power requirements, single-use disposability and engineering of small, complex fluidic networks. In one embodiment, a single-dose fluid delivery device is operable to deliver a bolus dose, in a single extended stroke or in multiple repeated doses. The device uses three electrochemically-actuated chambers, two of the chambers operating as inlet/outlet valves for the device and a third providing both a temporary containment and pumping action. By sequential manipulation of the fluid pressure in the three chambers, fluids may be delivered in precise quantities by the device.

主权项

1. A device for the directional delivery of a fluid, comprising:
a. a pump module comprising an electrochemical actuator configured to selectively apply a pressure within the pump module; b. an inlet valve comprising an electrochemical actuator configured to selectively apply a pressure within the inlet valve; c. an outlet valve comprising an electrochemical actuator configured to selectively apply a pressure within the outlet valve; d. an external reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet valve; e. an application in fluid communication with the outlet valve; f. a first channel fluidically connecting the inlet valve and the pump module; g. a second channel fluidically connecting the outlet valve and the pump module; h. an inlet diaphragm positioned within the inlet valve, wherein the inlet diaphragm is flexible to assume one of a flexed state and an unflexed rest state, and wherein the inlet diaphragm is positioned to block flow of the fluid between the external reservoir and the first channel when the diaphragm is in the unflexed (or flexed) state, and to allow flow of the fluid between the external reservoir and the first channel when the inlet diaphragm is in the flexed (or unflexed) state; i. an outlet diaphragm positioned within the outlet valve, wherein the outlet diaphragm is flexible to assume one of a flexed state and an unflexed rest state, and wherein the outlet diaphragm is positioned to block flow of the fluid between the second channel and the application when the diaphragm is in the unflexed rest state, and to allow flow of the fluid between the second channel and the application when the diaphragm is in the flexed state; and j. an internal reservoir diaphragm positioned within the pump module, wherein the internal reservoir diaphragm is flexible to assume one of a flexed state and an unflexed rest state, and wherein the internal reservoir diaphragm is positioned to receive flow of the liquid from the first channel into a reservoir formed by the internal reservoir diaphragm when the internal reservoir diaphragm is in the flexed state, and to discharge the fluid from the reservoir into the second channel when the internal reservoir diaphragm moves from the flexed state to the unflexed state.