Pneumatic Flow Switching on Centrifugal Microfluidic Platforms In Motion

This paper describes a flow switching technique applicable to centrifugal microfluidic platforms, using a regulated stream of compressed gas. This pneumatic flow switching technique allows for flow control at a T-shaped junction between one inlet channel and two outlet channels. This technique provides a noncontact, robust, and efficient method for switching the direction of fluid flow while a disk is rotating at relatively low frequencies. The switching operation can be implemented reproducibly with applied gas flow rates between 17 and 58 L min(-1) and rotational frequencies between 400 rpm (6.6 Hz) and 1200 rpm (20 Hz).