McDonald J C, Metallo S J, Whitesides G M
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Anal Chem. 2001 Dec 1;73(23):5645-50. doi: 10.1021/ac010631r.
This paper describes microfluidic devices that contain connections that can be opened by the user after fabrication. The devices are fabricated in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and comprise disconnected fluidic channels that are separated by 20 microm of PDMS. Applying voltages above the breakdown voltage of PDMS (21 V/microm) opened pathways between disconnected channels. Fluids could then be pumped through the openings. The voltage used and the ionic strength of the buffer in the channels determined the size of the opening. Opening connections in a specific order provides the means to control complex reactions on the device. A device for ELISA was fabricated to demonstrate the ability to store and deliver fluids on demand.
