Infrared controlled waxes for liquid handling and storage on a CD-microfluidic platform

Authors

Kameel Abi-Samra, University of California, World Class University
Ryan Hanson, University of California
Marc Madou, University of California, World Class University
Robert A. Gorkin III, University of California, World Class UniversityFollow

RIS ID

120827

Publication Details

Abi-Samra, K., Hanson, R., Madou, M. & Gorkin III, R. A. (2011). Infrared controlled waxes for liquid handling and storage on a CD-microfluidic platform. Lab on a Chip, 11 (4), 723-726.

Abstract

A novel active valving technique, whereby paraffin wax plugs in microchannels on a centrifugal microfluidic platform are actuated using focused infrared (IR) radiation is demonstrated in this report. Microchannels were simultaneously or sequentially opened using a stationary IR source by forming wax plugs with similar or differing melting points. The presented wax plugs offer key advantages over current active valving techniques, including a less involved fabrication procedure, a simpler actuation process, and the ability to multiplex experiment with active valves. In addition, a new technique for automated liquid reagent storage and release on the microfluidic disc platform, based on the formation and removal of a wax layer, is demonstrated. Overall, the techniques presented in this report offer novel methods for liquid handling, separation, and storage on the centrifugal microfluidic disc platform.