Low-power electrically controlled thermoelastic microfluidic valve array for multiplexed immunoassay

Abstract

We report a low-power, thermally actuated, and elastomer-based microvalve, which is integrated in a thermoplastic microfluidic device for multiplexed immunoassays. The thermal-actuating material used in this valve also enables a latching capability. Thirteen microfluidic valves have been integrated in a microfluidic device, enabling a network of fluid channels for reagent manipulation and sequential delivery. With a unique combination of antibodies, the device is able to analyze six proteins simultaneously. The total energy consumption for a device during the immunoassay is only 4 mWh.