Electrochemically actuated passive stop–go microvalves for flow control in microfluidic systems

Hierarchical micro and nano structured, hydrophilic, superhydrophobic and superoleophobic surfaces incorporated in microfluidics, microarrays and lab on chip microsystems

“…Londe et al [109] one year later proposed a superhydrophobic valve with a thermosensitive behavior (see Fig. 5(iii)), while Washe et al proposed electrochemical actuation of such valves [110] . Inspired by these early works on hydrophobic valves, and in parallel to the elegant works where pumping and valving on Si chips is controlled by geometry, Tsougeni et al [105], Gogolides et al [17], and Papageorgiou et al [111] proposed plasma etching and simultaneous plasma nanotexturing (roughening) of polymeric microfluidics to control their wettability.…”

Recent advances in microfluidics-enabled controlled reaction, assembly and exfoliation of inorganic nanomaterials

“…70 Other methods to externally actuate flow exist, and further examples of active flow control include pneumatically controlled centrifugal microfluidic devices 71 and electrochemically toggled microvalves. 72…”

“…70 Other methods to externally actuate flow exist, and further examples of active flow control include pneumatically controlled centrifugal microfluidic devices 71 and electrochemically toggled microvalves. 72 Another significant factor is mixing reactants and additives inside the reactor to enhance the mass transfer and provide optimum conditions for the reaction. Unlike macroscale reactors, the mixing in micro-scale reactors is not by turbulent mixing but rather by diffusion because of the low Reynolds number (Re) and laminar flow conditions at the micro-scale.…”

Inner Surface Design of Functional Microchannels for Microscale Flow Control

“…[90,91] Katakis and co-workers reported low voltage electrochemically activated microvalves for controlling the fluid transportation in microchannels. [92] Suzuki and co-workers realized the electric control of microfluid transportation by reductive desorption of hydrophobic SAMs on the platinum electrode. [93] The hydrophobic SAMmodified electrode acted as a microvalve for the microchannel, and the microscale flow was tailored by appropriate electric potential.…”