Multiplex Metering on Microfluidic Chips Without Complex Tubing:

Special Chip Features with an On-Chip Pump and Valve

Problem

Typical solutions for metering multiple liquids in microfluidic devices rely on convoluted tubing and syringe pump systems. The intricate connection and routing of pumps, syringes, and tubes add time, cost, and complexity to life science applications. In addition, automation efforts such as liquid surface detection create more costs due to the need for signal amplifiers to overcome weak or fast signals.

Solution

A simple combination of an on-chip valve and pump system, an optical liquid surface detection system, and surface treatments can eliminate complex and costly procedures. An automated optical system can use on-chip measuring chambers to accurately meter several liquids, while an embedded rotary valve and pump system can route up to 20 fluids at once without external pumps.

Accurate Liquid Surface Detection for Microfluidics

LED light reflected off coarse surfaces and liquids within microfluidic channels significantly improves signal clarity for liquid surface detection. The coarse surfaces found in the channels impedes the LED light from reaching the phototransistor. However, introducing liquid to the channel allows light to clearly reach the phototransistor. This liquid surface detection method reduces the need for expensive optical systems.

Watch the video to see how the optical system obtains reliable data through the simple assembly of phototransistors, LEDs, and bypass capacitors.

Automated On-Chip Multiplex Metering without Complex Tubing

Enplas’s proprietary on-chip pump and valve system, the Rotary Membrane Valve and Pump (RMVP), facilitates automated multiplex metering via precise liquid routing to on-chip measuring chambers. The liquid surface detection around the chambers enables dynamic liquid metering without restricting measurements to the exact size of the chambers.

Watch the video to see how metering is achieved by pushing and pulling precise volumes within the three measuring champers.

Specifications

Useable Materials for the Plastic Chip

COC
COP
PMMA

Example Applications

Sample prep
PCR (including dPCR)
NGS
Other molecular testing
Electrophoresis
Cell handling
Any other applications involving liquid, such as IVD, drug development, food testing, and more.