TY - GEN
T1 - Single-layer microfluidic spring diodes via optofluidic lithography for ultra-low reynolds number applications
AU - Sochol, Ryan D.
AU - Glick, Casey C.
AU - Lu, Albert
AU - Wah, Melissa
AU - Brubaker, Thomas
AU - Lee, Kye Y.
AU - Iwai, Kosuke
AU - Lee, Luke P.
AU - Lin, Liwei
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - Microfluidic components that are capable of autonomous on-chip operations at ultra-low Reynolds number (e.g., Re 0.2) are critical to the advancement of integrated fluidic circuitry for chemical and biological applications, including point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostics and on-site chemical detection. Previously, researchers have utilized dynamic resistive elements, such as suspended microbeads and rotational microstructures, to rectify Re 0.2 flow; however, such systems require hydrodynamic forces to return the resistive elements to their closed state positions, allowing undesired reverse flow during this process. Conversely, double-layer flap-type check valves immediately return to their closed state in the absence of forward flow; unfortunately, such valves have exhibited limited functionality for Re 0.3 flow. To overcome these issues, here we introduce single-layer microfluidic spring diodes, which utilize free-standing polymeric microsprings that: (i) compress to promote forward flow, (ii) return to the closed position in the absence of forward flow, and (iii) remain in the closed position to obstruct reverse flow. The free-standing microspring elements were constructed in situ via optofluidic lithography processes. Experimental results revealed an improvement in Di performance with increasing Re for Re 0.1; however, Di's were found to decrease for Re > 0.1. At maximum, we observed an experimental average Di of 4.10±0.01, corresponding to 0.075 Re 0.1 fluid flow.
AB - Microfluidic components that are capable of autonomous on-chip operations at ultra-low Reynolds number (e.g., Re 0.2) are critical to the advancement of integrated fluidic circuitry for chemical and biological applications, including point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostics and on-site chemical detection. Previously, researchers have utilized dynamic resistive elements, such as suspended microbeads and rotational microstructures, to rectify Re 0.2 flow; however, such systems require hydrodynamic forces to return the resistive elements to their closed state positions, allowing undesired reverse flow during this process. Conversely, double-layer flap-type check valves immediately return to their closed state in the absence of forward flow; unfortunately, such valves have exhibited limited functionality for Re 0.3 flow. To overcome these issues, here we introduce single-layer microfluidic spring diodes, which utilize free-standing polymeric microsprings that: (i) compress to promote forward flow, (ii) return to the closed position in the absence of forward flow, and (iii) remain in the closed position to obstruct reverse flow. The free-standing microspring elements were constructed in situ via optofluidic lithography processes. Experimental results revealed an improvement in Di performance with increasing Re for Re 0.1; however, Di's were found to decrease for Re > 0.1. At maximum, we observed an experimental average Di of 4.10±0.01, corresponding to 0.075 Re 0.1 fluid flow.
KW - Check Valve
KW - Diode Integrated Microfluidic Circuitry
KW - Optofluidic Lithography
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84891711013&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1109/Transducers.2013.6627240
DO - 10.1109/Transducers.2013.6627240
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84891711013
SN - 9781467359818
T3 - 2013 Transducers and Eurosensors XXVII: The 17th International Conference on Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems, TRANSDUCERS and EUROSENSORS 2013
SP - 2201
EP - 2204
BT - 2013 Transducers and Eurosensors XXVII
T2 - 2013 17th International Conference on Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems, TRANSDUCERS and EUROSENSORS 2013
Y2 - 16 June 2013 through 20 June 2013
ER -