A self-contained microfluidic platform combining pumps and valves for biochemical applications

Abstract

The novelty of this study lies in the fabrication of an all-polymer-based, self-contained, integrated microfluidic platform comprising a microvalve, a micropump, channels, chambers, heaters, and sensing electrodes for bioanalytical applications. A cycloolefin copolymer (COC) top substrate molded by hot embossing and a COC bottom substrate fabricated by polymer injection molding are bonded using an ultrasonic bonder and hermetically sealed. A polyimide substrate with an embedded microheater is then bonded with UV-curable epoxy. Thermally actuated paraffin-based microvalves and a micropump powered by chemically produced carbon dioxide gas were integrated on the chip to provide fluidic movements. The device is self-contained; external pressure sources, fluid storage, mechanical pumps, and valves are not necessary for fluid manipulation, which eliminates any chance of sample contamination and makes device operation simple. The platform can provide cost-effective biochemical analysis and has great potential for point-of-care testing, environmental testing, and biological analysis with integrated microfluidic control.