Centrifugal microfluidic chip for multi-step fluid control at low rotational speed

Centrifugal microfluidic chips have excellent automation potential. Various detection technologies have been integrated into centrifugal microfluidic chips. To realize multi-step reaction processes, centrifugal microfluidic chips require the integration of several valves. Valve systems using only capillary valves may lead to excessively high rotational speeds. This is undesirable for manufacturing portable, low-power centrifugal microfluidic chip mating devices. Through valve mating and chamber layout, a valve system with low rotational speed characteristics was designed to overcome the dependence of centrifugal microfluidic chips on high rotational speed. The system includes 2 hydrophobic valves, 2 siphon valves and a Coriolis force structure. This study simulated the parametrically designed valve and Coriolis force structure by COMSOL and obtained the liquid control effect as expected. Using fluid simulation, the development cycle of the centrifugal microfluidic chip was shortened, saving time and expense. Through experiments, this study proved that our centrifugal microfluidic chip can accomplish 4-step reaction and 7-step pipetting control of 5 reagents. It has consistency and stability for the distribution of products.