Novel multi-way microvalve with ease of fabrication and integration for microfluidics application

Abstract

We present a miniaturized active multi-way microvalve, with a rotor, measuring only 3.7 mm in diameter and having a footprint of only about 14 mm2, and that is designed for integration into microfluidics chips, allowing for overall size reduction for microfluidics platforms. It has a zero dead volume, and an overall internal volume of only 268 nL. Its operation is based on a rotary mechanism, with compressible rotor and complementary stator seat valve specially designed to have five-degree rotational symmetry, and in which the rotor is made of Viton elastomer to provide a seal and switch between outlets precisely. The microvalve, which can be manually, as well as automatically actuated, is able to withstand pressures up to 370 kPa with no leakage and has a switching torque of under 0.03 Nm.