Reconfigurable microfluidic chip based on a light-sensitive hydrogel

Spatiotemporally Controlled Nanoliter‐Scale Reconfigurable Microfluidics

“…For example, instead of using photolithography to create static channels, their optical design is able to alter the channel width and as a result change the volume and the speed of the fluid flowing through the channel. 44 Furthermore, their optical system is not significantly affected by electrical power losses, resistive heat dissipation, or friction, which limit the performance of other thermally and electronically operated designs. 44 In addition, these losses increase in magnitude in conventional devices as their size decreases.…”

“…44 Furthermore, their optical system is not significantly affected by electrical power losses, resistive heat dissipation, or friction, which limit the performance of other thermally and electronically operated designs. 44 In addition, these losses increase in magnitude in conventional devices as their size decreases. The performance of the bilayered hydrogel-based system is not hindered by such losses.…”

“…When the H þ ions interact with the highly positively charged PEI molecules, repulsive forces are generated, forcing the molecules away from each other, which causes the layer to swell. 44 Although the device worked as anticipated, the change occurred slowly, on the order of hours, and could not be used to achieve rapid results. However, this is a novel approach to developing reconfigurability in microfluidic devices.…”