Microfluidic system comprising mechanically-actuated microfluidic pinch valve

A microfluidic system comprising:

• (A) a microfluidics platform comprising:
• a compliant body having a microfluidic channel defined therein;
• a valve sleeve defined by a section of said microfluidic channel, said valve sleeve having a membrane wall defining at least part of an outer surface of said body;
• and
• a compression member for pinching said membrane wall against an opposed wall of said valve sleeve, wherein said compression member is part of and protrudes from said membrane wall;
• and
• (B) a MEMS integrated circuit bonded to said outer surface of said body, said MEMS integrated circuit comprising:
• a moveable finger engaged with said compression member, said finger being configured to urge said compression member between a closed position in which said membrane wall is sealingly pinched against said opposed wall, and an open position in which said membrane wall is disengaged from said opposed wall;
• a thermal bend actuator associated with said finger, said actuator configured for controlling movement of said finger;
• and
• control circuitry for controlling actuation of said actuator so as to control opening and closing of said valve sleeve.