Microfluidic check valve and related devices and systems

Abstract

A microfluidic check valve includes an inlet bore, an internal chamber, an outlet bore, and a disk freely movable in the chamber between an open position and a closed position. At the open position, the disk permits fluid to flow from the inlet bore, through the chamber, and to the outlet bore. At the closed position, the disk prevents fluid from flowing in the reverse direction from the chamber into the inlet bore. The check valve may be positioned in-line with a fluid conduit, and/or incorporated with various fluidic devices such as, for example, capillary tubes, fittings, and chromatography columns. The check valve is capable of withstanding high fluid pressures, while featuring a small swept volume, such as a nano-scale volume. The check valve may be utilized, for example, to prevent fluid back flow and isolate pressure pulses in fluid flow systems.