Rapid prototyping of pneumatically actuated hydrocarbon gel valves for centrifugal microfluidic devices

• An active valve system was developed for centrifugal microfluidic platforms using hydrocarbon gel plugs.
• Valve actuation was demonstrated using an automated non-contact pneumatic setup.
• The valves are made out of a widely available, inexpensive material and are easy to integrate for rapid prototyping.

A novel, easy to prototype hydrocarbon gel-based active valve was developed for use in centrifugal microfluidic devices. The valve has been demonstrated to restrict flow by an additional 1000 revolutions per minute (RPM) when compared to a passive capillary valve of the same size located at the same radius. Opening of the valve is accomplished in a contactless manner using a stream of focused compressed air. The ease of fabrication, low cost and small dimensions of the gel valve offer the potential for integration of multiple valves of this type into multi-process centrifugal microfluidic systems.

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