A microfluidic timer for timed valving and pumping in centrifugal microfluidics
04.02.2015
Schwemmer F, Zehnle S, Mark D, von Stetten F, Zengerle R, Paust N.
Lab Chip. 2015;15(6):1545-53.
Accurate timing of microfluidic operations is essential for the automation of complex laboratory workflows, in particular for the supply of sample and reagents. Here we present a new unit operation for timed valving and pumping in centrifugal microfluidics. It is based on temporary storage of pneumatic energy and time delayed sudden release of said energy. The microfluidic timer is compatible to all wetting properties and viscosities of common assay reagents and does neither require assistive equipment, nor coatings. It can be monolithically integrated into a microfluidic test carrier and is compatible to scalable fabrication technologies.
