A simple check valve for microfluidic point of care diagnostics.

ABSTRACT: Check valves are often essential components in microfluidic devices, enabling automated sample processing for diagnostics at the point of care. However, there is an unmet need for a check valve design that is compatible with rigid thermoplastic devices during all stages of development-from initial prototyping with a laser cutter to final production with injection molding. Here, we present simple designs for a passive, normally closed check valve that is manufactured from commonly available materials with a CO₂ laser and readily integrated into prototype and production thermoplastic devices. The check valve consists of a thermoplastic planar spring and a soft elastomeric pad that act together to seal against fluid backflow. The valve's cracking pressure can be tuned by modifying

SUBMITTER: Ball CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5089928 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature