Hybrid capillary-flap valve for vapor control in point-of-care microfluidic CD

Abstract

Microfluidics allows for the miniaturization of laboratory processes onto a compact disc (CD). A microfluidic CD provides a cost-effective, portable and automated diagnostic platform without the use of bulky equipment and complex machinery. This reduction in the cost, footprint, and user input allows for the development of tools suitable for point-of-care applications. One of the criteria for point-of-care applications is the ability to have long storage life. During storage, the reagents/chemicals in typical microfluidic CDs might evaporate and mix together before actual usage, compromising on the integrity of the result. To complement the use of capillary valves, this paper presents various available valves for vapor control, and introduces a hybrid capillary-flap valve for use in microfluidic CDs for point-of-care applications. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.