Auto-actuated sequential release valves for Lab-on-a-Disc systems

In microfluidic biomedical systems valving is often of critical importance for process control. In centrifugal microfluidics valves are typically actuated through changing the centrifugal force seen by the working liquid. Here we present for the first time a new valving structure (based on dissolvable films) where the entry of liquid into a chamber on the disc can trigger the release of liquid from a chamber located elsewhere on the disc. These valves can be configured such that multiple valves can be released in a sequential manner independent of external inputs.