Structurally Programmable Microfluidic Systems

Abstract

In this work, we present an innovative fluid control technique using structurally programmable fluidic paths and passive microvalves. The structurally programmable microfluidic system consists of passive valves and flow conduits, which have different pressure drops depending on the structure and surface properties of the fluidic paths. By tailoring the length of the flow paths and the relative restriction ratio of the passive valves, the pressure drops through the designed system can be controlled and thus programmable. The novel concept proposed in this work is clearly demonstrated with low pressure drop in fluid driving without using complicated flow control.