Electrically-controlled fluid valve e.g. for biomedical use, has micro-porous membrane covered with electro-active polymer

摘要

The valve, positioned between two volumes, has a microporous membrane (16) with its surface covered at least partially by one or more electro-active polymers, located within the pores of the membrane so that it blocks the pores when in a predetermined oxidation-reduction state. The valve is controlled by an electrical source with at least one electrode and a counter-electrode (28) which opens and closes it by changing the oxidation-reduction state of the polymer, the pores of which are basically circular in shape and of constant diameter. The membrane, which is held in place by an adhesive (17), can form the electrode, or it can be of a non-conducting material such as a polymer or cellulose ester or nitrate.