Wax microfluidics light-addressable valve with multiple actuation

This work reports on the design, fabrication and performance of a novel light-actuated wax microvalve. This valve is capable of multiple-actuation (30 and 15 open-close cycles in air and water, correspondingly), shows a fast response (≤500 ms) and has a low energy-consumption per actuation (≤1 J). The valve is inherently latched in both open and close states and is leak-proof to at least 80 kPa. It is actuated (both open and close) by light pulses from an external LED. Many valves ( 2 ) can be easily integrated in a single chip with a wax microfluidics technology. Fabrication is based on a low-cost and fast prototyping process compatible with the presence of temperature sensitive biocomponents.