Flow control in microfluidic systems is always a challenge, especially for applications like point-of-care diagnostics that must be single-use, low-cost, and easy to operate. While existing options might work well for early R&D in the lab, they can be too expensive or unreliable for end-use devices.
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External valves
Cumbersome tubing, requires a wash step between uses
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Electronic valves
Too expensive for single-use, hard to integrate
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Membrane valves
Difficult to manufacture, prone to failure