Pneumatically Driven Microfluidic Platform for Micro-Particle Concentration.

The present article introduces a method for fabricating and operating a pneumatic valve to control particle concentration using a microfluidic platform. This platform has a three-dimensional (3D) network with curved fluid channels and three pneumatic valves, which create networks, channels, and spaces through duplex replication with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The device operates based on the transient response of a fluid flow rate controlled by a pneumatic valve in the following order: (1) sample loading, (2) sample blocking, (3) sample concentration, and (4) sample release. The particles are blocked by thin diaphragm layer deformation of the sieve valve (Vs) plate and accumulate in the curved microfluidic channel. The working fluid is discharged by the actuation of two on/off valves. As a result of the operation, all particles of various magnifications were successfully intercepted and disengaged. When this technology is applied, the operating pressure, the time required for concentration, and the concentration rate may vary depending on the device dimensions and particle size magnification.