Mobile monolithic polymer elements for flow control in microfluidic devices

A check valve device for controlling fluid flow through microchannels such that an actuating fluid and test fluid are separate, comprising:

• a chamber having a mobile polymer monolithic element disposed therein, wherein said chamber has opposed first and second ends, and wherein the mobile polymer monolith is made by polymerizing a monomer mixture within the microchannel;
• an actuating fluid inlet channel joined to the first end to admit an actuating fluid to said chamber;
• and
• a fluid flow inlet and a fluid flow outlet channel each joined to the second end.

A check valve device for controlling fluid flow through microchannels such that an actuating fluid and test fluid are separate, comprising:

• a chamber having a mobile polymer monolithic element disposed therein, wherein said chamber has two arms arranged in a U-shape configuration, and wherein the mobile polymer monolith is made by polymerizing a monomer mixture within said chamber;
• an actuating microchannel fluid inlet joined to the terminus of one arm;
• a microchannel fluid flow inlet and a microchannel fluid flow outlet each joined to the terminus of the second arm;
• and
• an actuating microchannel fluid inlet joined to the end of said chamber opposite the terminations of the first and second arms.

A method for control of fluid flow through microchannels, comprising:

• providing a substrate fabricated to define a microchannel system disposed thereon, the microchannel system, in part, comprising:
• a chamber having a mobile polymer monolithic element disposed therein, wherein said chamber has opposed first and second ends;
• an actuating fluid inlet channel joined to the first end to admit an actuating fluid to said chamber;
• and
• a fluid flow inlet and a fluid flow outlet channel each joined to the second end.

A check valve, comprising:

• a mobile, monolithic polymer element disposed in the microchannel, wherein said mobile monolithic polymer element is cast-in-place within the microchannel;
• spaced apart retaining means disposed within the microchannel, wherein said retaining means comprise a sealing surface;
• and
• a bypass duct.