On-chip control of pneumatic-based bistable valve switch

Bistable valves are of particular interest due to its capability of remaining in open or closed states without energy consumption. This aspect is appealing for microfluidics transferring from benchside to bedside as input access and controls are limited. In this paper, we present pneumatic-based, bistable valve (BSV) switches for immediate on-chip fluid-flow manipulation without the requirement of external microcontroller circuitries. The applicability of the on-chip controller is demonstrated in a 4-to-1 microfluidic multiplexor. Furthermore, clinical relevance of on-chip BSV switches is displayed in point-of-care ABO blood-typing diagnostic chips.