An active bubble trap and debubbler for microfluidic systems

Lab Chip. 2008 Oct;8(10):1733-7. doi: 10.1039/b807037g. Epub 2008 Aug 28.

Abstract

We present a novel, fully integrated microfluidic bubble trap and debubbler. The 2-layer structure, based on a PDMS valve design, utilizes a featured membrane to stop bubble progression through the device. A pneumatic chamber directly above the trap is evacuated, and the bubble is pulled out through the gas-permeable PDMS membrane. Normal device operation, including continuous flow at atmospheric pressure, is maintained during the entire trapping and debubbling process. We present a range of trap sizes, from 2 to 10 mm diameter, and can trap and remove bubbles up to 25 microL in under 3 h.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Atmospheric Pressure
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Microfluidics / instrumentation*

Substances

  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • baysilon