Single-use microfluidic valve

This technology relates to the general field of microfluidics and concerns single microfluidic valve for what are known as « continuous » microfluidics. « Continuous » relates to the flow of a fluid in continuous phase and is the opposite of « discrete » microfluidics in which drops are manipulated and displaced.

Manufactured on Si substrates, using materials commonly used in microelectronics, this single-use valve's biggest value lies in its reliability and low-energy consumption. The membrane is broken by applying an electrical energy < 10-4 J to the electrode, which heats up the material and creates mechanical constraints strong enough to break the membrane. The inclusion of the electrode in the membrane guarantees its long term reliability.