Self-regulating microfluidic device and method of using the same

A microfluidic device for modifying the value of a property of a fluid, comprising:

• a body defining:
• a first flow channel extending along a longitudinal axis, the first flow channel having an input end for receiving the fluid and an output end;
• a first compensating channel having an input end for receiving a compensating fluid and a second end terminating at an orifice;
• a second compensating channel having an input communicatable with the orifice of the first compensating channel and an output communicating with the first flow channel;
• a valve chamber extending through and communicating with the first flow chamber;
• a membrane positioned within the body and isolating the valve chamber from the second compensating channel;
• and
• a polymeric material positioned in the valve chamber downstream of the output of the second compensating channel and operatively engagable with the membrane so as to provide fluidic resistance to the flow of compensating fluid from the orifice of the first compensating channel into the second compensating channel.

A method for modifying the value of a property of a fluid using a microfluidic device, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first flow path through the microfluidic device to accommodate the flow of the fluid therethrough;
• positioning a material having a volume in the first flow path, the volume of the material responsive to the value of the property of the fluid;
• and
• introducing a volume of a compensating fluid into the first flow path to vary the value of the property of the fluid, the volume of compensating fluid introduced varying in response to the volume of the material.