Temperature controlled valves for paper-based microfluidic systems
US11529626B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2021 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A50/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a low-cost, thermally reversible valve for paper-fluidic diagnostic devices. In particular, this invention demonstrates a tunable valve mechanism fabricated by wax-ink printing and localized heating via thin-film resistors to sequentially release liquids through a cellulose or nitrocellulose membrane. The wax-ink valve can obstruct fluid flow for a sustained time and are thermally actuated to release a controlled amount of liquid past the valve. This integrated paper-fluidic diagnostic assay device requires minimal user involvement, can be easily manufactured and tuned to meet various fluid delivery timing and incubation needs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.