Large-Scale Integration of Solid-State Microfluidic Valves With No Moving Parts

Abstract : This research concerns the development of a new kind of revolutionary design, solid-state microvalves that will permit the realization of complex microfluidic systems with arrays of hundreds of flow-control devices. Microfluidic systems have widespread applications in the implementation of immunological and genetic assays of both commercial and DoD interest. While fluidic capillary microchips made of glass, silicon, and plastic have been realized, their practical use has been so far confined to simple systems with very few assay steps such as PCR followed by electrophoresis or hybridization analyses. The scope of the project is focused on the elements necessary to demonstrate the feasibility of a simple, integratable, single element microvalves with no moving parts for microfluidic systems. A major goal of this program is the development of thin film active (and passive) polymer plugs that can be micromachined and integrated with microfluidic substrates to implement these plug valve devices.