A Versatile Flexible Polymer Actuator System for Pumps, Valves, and Injectors Enabling Fully Disposable Active Microfluidics

To control and manipulate fluids in lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices, active components such as pumps, valves, and injectors are necessary. However, such components are often complex and expensive to fabricate, limiting integration in disposable LOCs. A new type of flexible, all-polymer diaphragm actuator system, called Double Diaphragm Active Polymer Actuator (DDAPA), is presented as a single modular unit that can be repurposed to diverse active microfluidic components. To demonstrate the versatility of the DDAPA concept, the DDAPA devices are investigated in three different configurations: as a single operation microinjector, as a flow regulating element, and as a pump in a hybrid configuration with unibody-LOC unidirectional systems. The working principle, fabrication process, and the three examples of microfluidic components are presented. The trilayer diaphragm actuator is realized using the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate as the actuating material and thiol-acrylate-based ionogels as solid-state electrolyte and base material. The three demonstrators show the feasibility of using the DDAPA module to inject liquids, regulate flow, and unidirectionally pump fluids up to 112 mu L min(-1) when coupled with a 3D printed unibody check valve. Hence, the presented concept with a simple mechanism and easy manufacturability, broadens the choice of disposable actuators compatible with fully disposable autonomous LOC solutions.

Automated summary

A new flexible all-polymer diaphragm actuator system, DDAPA, is presented as a single modular unit that can be repurposed to diverse microfluidic components. Demonstrations show the versatility and feasibility of using DDAPA for injecting liquids, regulating flow, and pumping fluids in disposable autonomous LOC solutions.