Ferrofluid-based microchip pump and valve

Abstract Fluid control is a key element in the performance of microfluidic “lab-on-a-chip” devices. The development of integrated multi-function micro-chemical reactors and analysis platforms depends upon on-chip valving and pumping. In this work, microfluidic valves and pumps were fabricated from etched glass substrates each bonded to a second glass substrate lid that had ultrasonically drilled access holes. The devices contained ferrofluid plugs of approximately 10 mm in length that were actuated by external magnets. The ferrofluid used in the devices was a colloidal suspension of ferromagnetic particles in a hydrophobic fluorocarbon carrier and was immiscible in water. With air in the channels, ferrofluid devices could withstand pressures of 12 kPa and could be opened and closed against pressures of 8.5 and 5.0 kPa, respectively, under a magnetic field of 2.8 kG. A ferrofluid pump comprising a ferrofluid piston and two ferrofluid valves was able to generate air pressures in excess of 5 kPa. In untreated glass channels, leakage of water around ferrofluid seals was significant. However, when the portions of the channel network that contained the ferrofluid were coated with a hydrophobic organo-silane, leakage was not detectable.