Optimization and application of normally closed microvalves in microfluidics

Mohan, Ritika

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/29458 Copy

Description

Title

Optimization and application of normally closed microvalves in microfluidics

Author(s)

Mohan, Ritika

Issue Date

2012-02-01T00:47:09Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Kenis, Paul J.A.

Department of Study

Chemical & Biomolecular Engr

Discipline

Chemical Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Microvalves
• soft lithography
• actuation pressure
• hysteresis
• normally closed valves
• antibiotics
• Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
• isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)

Abstract

The ease of fabrication and integration of pneumatic microvalves has enabled extensive miniaturization of microfluidic devices that are capable of performing massively parallel operations. These valves in their typical open configuration, also known as normally open (NO) valves, require to be actuated to remain closed. As a result, devices employing these valves have limited portability in applications that require valves to be closed continuously. Normally closed (NC) valves based on pneumatic actuation not only address the above issue of portability, but also retain the ease of integrating massively parallel networks of microfluidic elements. In this thesis, I report the design, fabrication, and application of elastomeric NC microvalves, along with systematic experimental characterization of NC valve operation. Geometrical parameters of the valve, including shape, fluid channel width, membrane thickness, and valve asymmetry were examined with the objective of minimizing actuation pressures and ensuring reliable operation. I observed that introduction of asymmetry in the valve geometry created points of weak adhesion between the valve and the substrate, which facilitated opening of the valve at lower actuation pressures. Specifically, valves with a sharp corner feature (v-shaped) actuated at lower pressures (1.5 psi) compared to straight-shaped valves (3 psi). I also observed that membrane thickness does not significantly influence the actuation pressures. An important requirement for microfluidic devices using NC valves is selective irreversible bonding of the fluid layer to the substrate, which I achieved by plasma sealing of the fluid layer to the substrate while simultaneously actuating the valves. Based on our experimental observations, I formulated a set of design considerations with the objective of minimizing actuation pressures, ensuring reliable operation, and facilitating convenient integration into complex microfluidic devices. These NC valves have significant potential in applications where portability is highly desired, such as in on-chip analysis, crystallization screening, and in the study of chemical or biological processes over long durations of time. I utilized these optimized design considerations to fabricate a 4x6 multiplexed microfluidic platform capable of combinatorial exposure of bacterial cells (E. coli) to diverse metabolites such as toxins, hormones, and antibiotics. I validated these chips for biological applications first by studying cell growth, and then demonstrated the multiplexing capabilities with inducible expression of the Green Florescent Protein (GFP) gene in E. coli cells on-chip using different concentrations of isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The key application of the platform is its utilization in antibiotic susceptibility screening.

Graduation Semester

2011-12

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/29458

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© 2011 by Ritika Mohan. All rights reserved.

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