| 摘要 |
<p>A microfluidic device comprising a fluid channel with a first upstream region 210 and a second downstream region 215 separated by a valve 225 wherein the valve comprises a sacrificial membrane that disintegrates on contact with a liquid to establish a fluid path from the first to the second region, a gas pocket provided within the first region and adjacent to the sacrificial membrane wherein the gas pocket is dimensioned to receive and retain a gas volume on introduction of a liquid into the first region, and a drive means configured to induce liquid flow from the first region towards the second region by displacing the gas volume of the gas pocket so that the liquid contacts and subsequently disintegrates the sacrificial membrane. The sacrificial membrane may dissolve upon contact with the liquid or may burst when subjected to an increased pressure. The drive means of the device may be the application of a centrifugal force when the device is subjected to rotation. The device may be formed of PDMS to allow dissipation of the gas of the gas pocket or alternatively there may be a gas outlet in the vicinity of the valve.</p> |
