Automated and programmable electromagnetically actuated valves for microfluidic applications

摘要

In this paper, we report the design and development of easy-to-fabricate, low cost electromagnetically actuated ON/OFF valves to control multiple fluids on a programmable microfluidics platform. The valves were fabricated using mild steel pieces glued onto a PDMS membrane and its deflection was effected by using an array of solenoids. The activation of solenoid array was controlled using a programmed microcontroller. Numerical studies were carried out to optimize design parameters such as the distance between the valve and the solenoid, membrane thickness and the diameter of the deflection zone. The deflection of the valves was also studied using a high-speed digital camera and the results were in good conformity with the simulation results. Deflections up to 1200 mu m could be achieved with a response of 3 ms. The efficiency of the developed platform for controlling multiple fluids was verified by experimental studies using coloured solutions and biosensors. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.