ELECTROCHEMICAL CIRCUITS FOR ADVANCED MICROFLUIDIC SOLUTION PROCESSING

摘要

In realizing smart microanalytical devices, controlled solution transport in microfluidic channels is a challenging issue.The procedures have predominantly been conducted by manipulating external pumps (or a pressure source) and valves. However,with the external instruments and components, the entire setups become very bulky. If solutions can be processed using integratedmicrofluidic components, it will accelerate the automation and realization of user-friendly devices. Apart from chemical analysis,a realization of soft robots that move by direct conversion of chemical energy to mechanical energy is becoming a challengingissue for the next generation. Autonomous coordinated control of chemical reactions in microfluidic channels will surely becritical components in these devices. In this study, we attempted to realize such autonomous microfluidic devices by integratingsimple switchable hydrophobic microvalves with a conducting polymer and pressure changes by electrochemical production andshrinkage of hydrogen bubbles. A zinc electrode connected to these components in a separate control flow channel enabledautonomous switching. Replacement of liquid junctions with metal connections to connect solutions enabled designing deviceswith a complicated electrode and flow channel layouts. The components were connected electrically to form a network ofelectrochemical components that may be called electrochemical circuits.