SWITCHES FOR MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS

摘要

591128 A microfluidic system to allow low-cost biological analysis and indicator devices. The microfluidic system includes a cellulosic substrate in sheet form, at least one hydrophilic microfluidic channel supported on a surface of the substrate, and at least one functional component formed as part of the substrate provides a switch for controlling fluid flow along the microfluidic channel. The functional component is formed by at least one cut provided within the substrate for defining a portion of the substrate displaceable relative to the remainder of the substrate, the substrate portion supporting at least part of the microfluidic channel. Alternatively the functional component is formed by at least one cut provided within the substrate and a strip of material passing through the cut to form a sliding switch, wherein at least part of the microfluidic channel is supported on the strip. A plurality of switches can be included, the switches controlling the flow of a reactant from a dosing zone to at least one detection zone.