Pneumatic valves in folded 2-D and 3-D fluidic devices made from plastic sheets and tapes

Published

April 1, 2014

Author(s)

Gregory A. Cooksey, Francisco J. Atencia

Abstract

We present a rapid prototyping technique that expands elastomeric valving capabilities to devices made from thin materials such as plastic films and tapes. A key characteristic of this technology is that devices are thin (typically less than 0.5 mm in thickness), which allows for the fabrication of devices with many layers. This feature also permits folding of devices into 3D structures having fully functional valves. The time required from conception to full fabrication of functional devices is within a few hours. We illustrate this concept with the fabrication of a 25 mm per side cube whose walls contain microfluidic channels and valves. Control of liquid delivery through the faces of the cube is demonstrated with a chemotaxis experiment of C. elegans migrating within the enclosed volume of the cube as stimuli are delivered through the walls of the cube to the interior faces.

Citation

Lab on A Chip

Volume

14

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

microfluidics, valves, 3D, laminates, tape

Citation

Cooksey, G. and Atencia, F. (2014), Pneumatic valves in folded 2-D and 3-D fluidic devices made from plastic sheets and tapes, Lab on A Chip, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=915332 (Accessed October 14, 2025)