Chemically actuated microinjectors and programming with a microfluidic network

A microfluidic device that works autonomously without external electrical signals was fabricated. The device consisted of chemically actuated microinjectors and microfluidic networks. The operation of the microinjectors was based on the volume change of oxygen bubbles produced as a result of catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. A hydrogen peroxide solution was transported through a flow channel for programming by capillary action spontaneously. Following this, the microinjectors were switched on sequentially. Solutions stored in the upper reservoir for the respective microinjectors could be injected into a main flow channel. Timing for triggering the pumping action could be adjusted by changing the length of the programming flow channel for the hydrogen peroxide solution. In other words, information of the program could be written on the device in the form of the network of flow channels.