VALVE FOR MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS

摘要

A valve is provided for use in a microfluidic platform. The valve is preferably a superhydrophobic fishbone valve that comprises a channel and at least one branch in continuous contact with the channel. The channel has two sidewalls, an inlet, and an outlet. The branch extends outwardly and substantially perpendicularly from each sidewall of the channel. In further embodiments, the number of branches is from one to five. The sidewalls and the walls of the branch(es) preferably have a fluorine coating. The valve retains superhydrophobicity even after exposure to a protein solution.