Modular fluidic resistors to enable widely tunable flow rate and fluidic switching period in a microfluidic oscillator

Abstract

Microfluidic systems with modular components are attractive alternatives to monolithically integrated microfluidic systems because of their flexibility. In this study, we apply the modular concept on a water-head-pressure-driven microfluidic oscillator and obtain a widely tunable flow rate and fluidic switching period. Modular fluidic resistors can be easily mounted onto and demounted from a main chip by means of plastic male connectors. The connectors enable a leak-free connection between the modular resistors and main chip (leakage pressure > 140 kPa). With modular resistors, we show independent control of the flow rate and flow switching period of the oscillator system in a wide range (2.5 s-6.4 h and 2 μL/min-2 mL/min). This modular approach can be used to enhance the flexibility of instruction-embedded microfluidic circuits in which their operational range is limited.

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“…2 In addition to their operational simplicity, NC microvalves are becoming increasingly important in sophisticated microfluidic circuits since they offer low operation pressure, 20 and can be tailored to a wide range of actuating pressures 21,22 and frequencies. 23,24 In contrast to these advantages, the microvalve-based system's design and fabrication process has historically been complex, time-consuming, and costly, preventing its wider applications. In the conventional process, two or more photomasks and photoresist layers are required along with a highly experienced-based alignment procedure between UV-exposure/ chemical development steps in a clean room environment.…”

“…Membrane-based microvalves (categorized into normally open (NO) and normally closed , (NC) valves) are particularly attractive for assay applications because they offer simplicity in operation via the deflection of a thin membrane . In addition to their operational simplicity, NC microvalves are becoming increasingly important in sophisticated microfluidic circuits since they offer low operation pressure, and can be tailored to a wide range of actuating pressures , and frequencies. , …”