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Pre-programmable polymer transformers as on-chip microfluidic vacuum generators

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Abstract

This paper develops novel polymer transformers using thermally actuated shape memory polymer (SMP) materials. This paper applies SMPs with thermally induced shape memory effect to the proposed novel polymer transformers as on-chip microfluidic vacuum generators. In this type of SMPs, the morphology of the materials changes when the temperature of materials reaches its glass transition temperature (T g). The structure of the polymer transformer can be pre-programmed to define its functions, which the structure is reset to the temporary shape, using shape memory effects. When subjected to heat, the polymer transformer returns to its pre-memory morphology. The morphological change can produce a vacuum generation function in microfluidic channels. Vacuum pressure is generated to suck liquids into the microfluidic chip from fluidic inlets and drive liquids in the microchannel due to the morphological change of the polymer transformer. This study adopts a new smart polymer with high shape memory effects to achieve fluid movement using an on-chip vacuum generation source. Experimental measurements show that the polymer transformer, which uses SMP with a T g of 40°C, can deform 310 μm (recover to the permanent shape from the temporary shape) within 40 s at 65°C. The polymer transformer with an effective cavity volume of 155 μl achieved negative pressures of −0.98 psi. The maximum negative up to −1.8 psi can be achieved with an effective cavity volume of 268 μl. A maximum flow rate of 24 μl/min was produced in the microfluidic chip with a 180 mm long channel using this technique. The response times of the polymer transformers presented here are within 36 s for driving liquids to the end of the detection chamber. The proposed design has the advantages of compact size, ease of fabrication and integration, ease of actuation, and on-demand negative pressure generation. Thus, this design is suitable for disposable biochips that need two liquid samples control. The polymer transformer presented in this study is applicable to numerous disposable microfluidic biochips.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the National Science Council of Taiwan (NSC 98-2221-E-007-114) and National Tsing Hua University—Mackay Memorial Hospital Joint Research 98N2451E1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. BioMEMS and Nanobiosystems Lab., Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Sec. 2, Kuang Fu Rd., Hsinchu, Taiwan

    Chien-Chong Hong & Jui-Chun Chen

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  1. Chien-Chong Hong
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  2. Jui-Chun Chen
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Correspondence to Chien-Chong Hong.

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Hong, CC., Chen, JC. Pre-programmable polymer transformers as on-chip microfluidic vacuum generators. Microfluid Nanofluid 11, 385–393 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-011-0804-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-011-0804-7

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