Valves activated by electrically active polymers or by shape-memory materials, device containing same and method for using same

A sample card, comprising

• first and second opposed surfaces separated from one another by a width of the sample card;
• at least one inlet channel having an opening on said first surface,
• at least one outlet channel having an opening on said first surface,
• a valve comprising a flexible or deformable film covering said inlet channel opening and said outlet channel opening, such that at least one opening is blocked by said film when said film is in a channel blocking position so that in operation a fluid present in said inlet channel cannot flow through said valve to said outlet channel;
• at least one valve actuator adapted to open or close said valve, said valve actuator comprising an electric current source which acts directly on said flexible or deformable film to open said valve by removing said film from said at least one opening, so that in operation said fluid is permitted to flow from said inlet channel to said outlet channel,
• wherein said flexible or deformable film comprises an electroactive polymer.