University of Virginia Patent Foundation

Jennifer Monahan-Dian

James P Landers

Jerome Ferrance

Matthew R Begley

Michael H Jones

In an example, an apparatus, such as a microfluidic assembly, can include or can include using a channel including a valve seat, a valve film configured to adjust position with respect to the valve seat, and a first electrode configured to actuate the valve film electrostatically to adjust the position of the valve film to control a flow of a fluid in the channel laterally across the valve seat, the flow in a direction substantially parallel to the film.

Electrostatic actuation for management of flow in micro-total analysis systems (&#x3bc;-TAS) and related method thereof

The present invention relates to microfluidic devices, and in particular, flow management in such devices. In particular, the present invention provides an electrostatic valve for flow manipulation in a microfluidic device. The valve of the present invention sits on a valve seat in a microchannel and deflects away from the valve seat by electrostatic actuation to assume an opened configuration to allow fluid flow.

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Lafayette, IN, United States of America

Jennifer Monahan-Dian