A novel thermopneumatic based micropump and microvalve using phase change liquid

In any microfluidic system the use of micropump and micro valve are evident for manipulating the fluid of interest. Microvalves, micropumps, microchannels, mixers and dividers are the basic constituents of any microfluidic system. An effective microfluidic system can be obtained by precisely controlling and manipulating the liquid which flows through the system. The event of control over the rate of displacement of fluid and the flow rate can be achieved by effectively designing the pump and valve. The design of a micropump and a microvalve in the same substrate using a PDMS based thermopneumatic actuation microfluidic system using the phase change liquid will satisfy the needs of a typical μTAS or Lab-on-chip requirements. Here the thermopneumatic actuated valve controls the flow of fluid through the channel by means of the chamber which holds the phase change liquid. As the thermal energy serves as the actuating mechanism the effective control over the pumping mechanism can be achieved by effectively controlling the input voltage to the heater.