Rotationally controlled centrifugo-pneumatic valving utilizing dissolvable films

Here we report on a novel, centrifugo-pneumatic valving scheme based on water-dissolvable films. Compared to previous active valving approaches, this valving technique is merely controlled by introducing aqueous solutions to the substrate and allowing for dissolution; therefore lending itself to simple fabrication in microfluidic devices. Furthermore, the ability to tailor films over a range of dissolution times introduces novel capabilities for valving on the centrifugal platform allowing for greater diffusion barriers to liquids even at high burst frequencies. This report outlines the underlying working principle, assembly, and characterization of the novel valving scheme utilizing the dissolvable films.